Kat c. 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a cat in the late 19th or early 20th century using graphite on paper. Breitner was known for capturing the gritty realities of Amsterdam life, and this sketch provides an intimate look into his artistic process. Although seemingly simple, the sketch reveals a society grappling with shifting perceptions of domesticity and the role of animals within it. In a rapidly urbanizing world, pets like cats occupied an increasingly significant place in the home and imagination. Breitner, who also photographed and painted working-class women, here turns his gaze to another figure on the margins of society, one whose independence and self-possession echo those of his human subjects. The image reflects a broader cultural fascination with animals as companions and symbols. Through this drawing, Breitner invites us to contemplate the complex relationships between humans and animals, and the ways in which they reflect our own values and desires.