Ontwerp voor illustratie voor In Holland staat een huis: silhouet van kat die uit een kan drinkt 1884 - 1917

This silhouette of a cat drinking from a pitcher was made by Nelly Bodenheim, likely in the early 20th century, as an illustration. It's a modest work on paper, made with ink to create a stark contrast between the black figure and the white background. The silhouette, a technique that dates back to the 18th century, was commonly used for portraits, but here, it lends a playful, graphic quality to a humble scene. Bodenheim's choice of this method speaks to broader trends in design and illustration, and also reflects a simplicity and directness appreciated in children's book illustration. Consider the skilled hand required to cut or paint such a precise shape, capturing the animal's form with minimal detail, especially in such a small format. The silhouette reduces the image to its most essential elements, emphasizing form and outline. By valuing the craft of illustration, we recognize its contribution to visual culture. Bodenheim elevates this children's illustration with fine art techniques.