Rat verschanst in etenswaar

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

Adolphe Mouilleron’s lithograph *Rat verschanst in etenswaar* offers a lively glimpse into mid-nineteenth-century printmaking. Created between 1851 and 1862, the work measures 450 by 315 millimeters and demonstrates the artist’s command of lithography, a medium prized for its ability to reproduce fine textures and tonal gradations. This technique allowed artists to reach wider audiences than traditional etching or engraving, making detailed scenes like this one accessible beyond elite collectors. The Dutch title, translating roughly to “Rat entrenched in provisions,” hints at a playful or satirical subject—a small rodent concealed among foodstuffs. Such everyday, slightly humorous motifs were popular in the period, reflecting an interest in ordinary life rendered with wit and precision. A verso collector’s stamp (Lugt 2228) further indicates the print once belonged to a distinguished collection, underscoring its appeal to connoisseurs who valued both technical skill and lighthearted imagery. Together, the date, medium, and subject position the work as a charming example of how lithography bridged fine art and popular culture in the 1800s.

About the Artist

Adolphe Mouilleron · 1820–1881

Adolphe Mouilleron (1820–1881) was a French painter and lithographer whose significant contributions to French printmaking and co-founding role in the artists' collective 'Les Artistes Contemporains' made him an important figure in mid-19th-century Parisian art. Born in Paris on December 20, 1820, Mouilleron achieved recognition through both his original lithographs and paintings, earning multiple...