Liggende kat, naar rechts 1800

Jean Bernard created this drawing of a reclining cat around 1800 using graphite and brush on paper. It now resides in the Rijksmuseum. The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw a shift in attitudes toward animals, especially within domestic settings. Cats, traditionally associated with superstition, began to be seen as pets and companions, reflecting broader Enlightenment ideals of domesticity and sentiment. Bernard, working in the Netherlands during this period, captures the cat’s domesticated essence through his attentive study of its soft fur and relaxed pose. Dutch art institutions, like the Rijksmuseum, play a pivotal role in preserving and interpreting these cultural shifts. By studying archival records and social histories, we can better understand the cultural contexts that shaped both artistic production and the changing roles of animals in society. Art becomes not just a visual record, but also a reflection of evolving social norms.