This drawing was specially made by joris hoefnagel for his friend johannes muisenhol from frankfurt. The scene refers to his surname (mouse hole), while the extinguished candle and the gnawed walnut stand for the transience of life. Symbolism played an important role in the 16th century. The artist also had a keen eye for the faithful depiction of the mice. Object Type: drawing. Date: 1594. Dimensions: height: 89 mm (3.50 in); width: 123 mm (4.84 in). Medium: gouache, vellum. Collection: Rijksmuseum. Joris Hoefnagel - Two mice
