Home > Europe > France > Paris > Museums > Musee Carnavalet
Rat Seller during the Siege of Paris, 1870 (oil on canvas)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
Rat Seller during the Siege of Paris, 1870 (oil on canvas)
XIR212795 Rat Seller during the Siege of Paris, 1870 (oil on canvas) by Chaillou, Narcisse (b.1837); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris, France; (add.info.: Rat dealer during the Paris headquarters; )
Media ID 25455740
© Bridgeman Images
Butcher Chef Cook Franco Prussian War Impaled Kill Knife Prepare Ration Rationing Rations Rodent Shortage Single Chairs Skin Slice Vermin Furnish Home Furnishing Impale Piece Of Furniture Upholstered Goods
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> France
> Paris
> Museums
> Musee Carnavalet
> Europe
> France
> Paris
> Related Images
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Jacopo Pontormo
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Narcisse Chaillou
> Fine Art Finder
> Food & Drink 19th/early 20th C
EDITORS COMMENTS
The captivating oil on canvas painting, "Rat Seller during the Siege of Paris, 1870" by Narcisse Chaillou, transports us back to a tumultuous time in history. The image depicts a rat dealer amidst the chaos and scarcity of the Franco-Prussian War. With his chair positioned next to a table adorned with various tools of his trade – a knife ready to slice, impaled rats awaiting their fate – he prepares for an unusual meal. In this scene, we witness the desperation that led people to resort to unconventional sources of sustenance. Rationing and food shortages forced even the most skilled chefs and cooks into uncharted culinary territories. As vermin became part of their meager diet, this butcher-like figure emerges as an unlikely hero in providing sustenance during dire times. The artist's attention to detail is remarkable; from the texture of each rodent's skin to the worn upholstery on his single chair, every element adds depth and realism. The painting captures both the physical struggle for survival and the emotional toll it takes on those involved. Chaillou's masterpiece serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's resilience in times of adversity. It prompts reflection on how far we have come since then while acknowledging that history has its dark chapters too. This thought-provoking artwork invites viewers to contemplate our own relationship with food supply chains and appreciate our current abundance all the more deeply.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
