Prent met twee katten, één drinkend uit een bord en een prent met een drinkende kat c. 1885

This is a print of two cats, one drinking from a plate, by Willem de Zwart. De Zwart, who lived from 1862 to 1931, was part of a generation of Dutch artists who, inspired by French Impressionism, sought to capture everyday life. During this time, the Netherlands was undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization. Artists like De Zwart often turned to domestic scenes, finding solace and beauty in the simplicity of home life. This print, with its intimate portrayal of cats drinking, can be seen as a reflection of these values. Cats, often associated with domesticity and comfort, became popular subjects in art, symbolizing the warmth and security of the home. The loose, sketch-like quality of the etching enhances this sense of intimacy. You can almost hear the gentle lapping of the cats as they drink. It invites us to pause and appreciate the quiet moments of daily life, reminding us of the simple pleasures that can be found in our own homes and the emotional bonds we share with our animal companions.