Boys Digging for Rats 1901

"Boys Digging for Rats" is a 1901 engraving by American artist Timothy Cole. This print depicts a group of children digging for rats in a dimly lit alleyway. Cole’s work was well-known for its meticulous detail and masterful use of light and shadow, and “Boys Digging for Rats” demonstrates his skill in conveying a sense of realism and atmosphere. This artwork is a powerful depiction of the harsh realities of poverty and social injustice in the 19th century, a reminder of the struggles faced by many children in that era. Cole's engraving captures the grim conditions of life for some, and exemplifies the artistic and social commentary of the era.