Kat verdedigt haar jongen tegenover een hond 1680 - 1723

Jacob Gole created this engraving, titled "Kat verdedigt haar jongen tegenover een hond," which translates to "Cat defends her young against a dog", sometime between 1660 and 1737. This image encapsulates the raw, protective instincts of motherhood, regardless of species. We see a mother cat, arched and hissing, ready to defend her kittens from an intruding dog. The intensity in her posture speaks volumes about the primal drive to protect one's offspring. The details, from the bristled fur to the wide eyes, convey the emotional high stakes of this confrontation. Consider the historical context: in a time when the natural world was both a source of sustenance and a theater for survival, Gole's work reminds us that these instincts are not unique to humans, but are part of the broader tapestry of life. It's a powerful reminder of the shared experiences of motherhood.