Dutch school (XVII) - NO RESERVE - Rat-Catcher (of Hamelin)

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An itinerant rat catcher, carrying a cage of captured rats and an illustrated equipment box, standing in a rural village landscape.

The subject recalls the celebrated medieval legend of Hamelin, in Lower Saxony, where the townspeople, plagued by a devastating infestation of rats, summoned a mysterious piper who promised to rid them of the vermin in return for payment. Playing his enchanted pipe, he lured the rats from the town and into the River Weser, where they perished. When the townspeople subsequently refused to honour their agreement, the piper returned in vengeance, enchanting the children of Hamelin and leading them away, never to be seen again. The tale, traditionally associated with the disappearance of Hamelin's children in 1284, became a powerful moral story about broken promises, greed and retribution.

Undeciphered description on verso.

⦿ Estimated Period: mid 17th century
⦿ Dimensions (approx.): 19 x 25.5 cm (artwork), 27.5 x 34 cm (incl. frame/total).
⦿ Condition: Exhibits an authentic patina of age (see pictures).
⦿ Please note: Frame included gratis; comes as a gift and should be treated as such.
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