Two Mice c. 1450 - 1480

This image, of two mice, was made by an anonymous artist using engraving. Prints such as this one circulated widely in Europe and the details of animals—whether real or imaginary—were of great interest. During the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the status of artists was changing and the development of new technologies for reproducing images and disseminating information, also gave rise to new opportunities for artists to earn a living. The print market offered them a way to reach a broader audience and gain recognition for their work. The image raises interesting questions. What was the function of the print? Was it part of a series? What was the relationship of the artist to the animal? Was it part of an encyclopedia, a natural history, or a bestiary? These are the kinds of questions an art historian might ask. To answer them, we might consult a wide range of primary source material, including treatises on art, manuals for printmakers, and of course, more prints.