Hond en kat 1745 - 1808

This print, "Hond en kat" or "Dog and Cat," was made by Gerard van Nijmegen sometime in the late 18th century. During this period in the Dutch Republic, there was a growing interest in natural history and the depiction of animals. The print illustrates a tense encounter between a dog and a cat within a dense, natural setting. Look at the way the scene captures a dynamic of power. The dog is on the defensive, seemingly cornered, while the cat arches its back. The bristling fur of each animal suggests a moment of high anxiety and potential conflict. Is this encounter just an ordinary scene, or might it reflect broader societal tensions? How might we read this depiction of domestic animals in relation to hierarchy? The cat’s posture—raised up, alert—suggests a challenge to the assumed dominance of the dog. The cat is not submissive, but assertive.