Two Cats (from Sketchbook) 1835 - 1839

Francis William Edmonds created "Two Cats" in the 19th century. It's a sketch in graphite on paper, part of a sketchbook. Edmonds, a banker by trade, offers us an intimate look into his personal world through this unassuming sketch. The scene captures two cats, rendered with a simplicity that belies a keen observation. But, why cats? In the 19th century, cats were increasingly becoming domesticated pets, symbols of domesticity, particularly associated with women and the home. This sketch can be viewed as a reflection on domestic life, seen through the lens of gendered spaces. The cats, in their quiet repose, invite us to consider the nuanced roles animals play in our emotional lives and the subtle ways they reflect the values of the world around them.