Rat 1918 - 1968

Jan Mankes made this understated etching of a rat, probably in the early 20th century. It’s a tiny thing – small enough to fit in your hand. The rat is defined by just a few lines, yet it is full of personality. See the subtle shading that gives the rat a three-dimensional form and a soft, furry texture? I can imagine Mankes hunched over the plate, carefully etching each line, wiping away the excess ink, and then printing it onto paper. Did he have pet rats? Did he just find them beautiful? I think it's amazing how much he has been able to capture with so little! Mankes's etching reminds me of other printmakers like Whistler and Morandi, artists who could find beauty in the everyday and overlooked. Mankes had a short life but left behind such a powerful body of work. I guess we’re all just trying to leave our mark, in whatever way we can.