French school, after Abraham Bosse (1602-1676): 'The ratcatcher', oil on canvas in period frame, 17/18th C.

Dim.: 98,5 x 84 cm (the frame)
Dim.: 72 x 58 cm (the work)

The present work is painted after the engraving 'Le marchand de mort aux rats', part of the series 'Les cris de Paris' (Cries of Paris).
While it has lost most sense of perspective, due to the suppression of the surrounding landscape, the work remains highly attractive. The subject is quasi unknown on a painting.

Abraham Bosse (1602 - 14 February, 1676) was a French artist, mainly as a printmaker in etching, but also in watercolour. Roughly 1600 etchings are attributed to him, with subjects including: daily life, religion, literature, fashion, technology, and science. Most of his output was illustrations for books, but many were also sold separately.

Ref.: The Metropolitan Museum, New York, Accession Number: 60.634.53, for the original engraving. (link)