Poes Lola c. 1887 - 1897

Willem Witsen created this sketch, "Poes Lola," using graphite. Witsen, who lived from 1860 to 1923, was part of the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, a time when artists were capturing fleeting moments of everyday life with loose brushstrokes and a focus on light. This sketch gives us a glimpse into Witsen's domestic life and the informal representations of animals in art. The drawing captures the cat in a moment of repose; the soft lines and shading lending a sense of warmth and intimacy to the scene. Witsen seems to be less interested in capturing the likeness of the cat and more interested in representing an attitude or experience of closeness. The artist's choice of subject invites reflection on our relationships with animals, and how those relationships shape our understanding of connection and empathy. "Poes Lola" is an expression of personal affection. It encourages us to reflect on the simple joys and connections we find in our daily lives.