De poes Lola c. 1887 - 1888

Willem Witsen made this etching of his cat, Lola, sometime between 1880 and 1923. It invites us to consider the shifting status of animals in European society. Cats, like dogs, became increasingly popular as domestic pets among the European middle classes during the 19th century. This etching, with its intimate and informal portrayal of Lola, reflects this cultural shift. Instead of a majestic lion or a working animal, Witsen’s work celebrates the quiet companionship of a domestic animal. But we might also consider Witsen's social circles in Amsterdam and London. He was associated with the literary journal 'De Nieuwe Gids' and was a member of the London Art Club. His artistic network would have shaped his perception of the role of art in society. To fully appreciate Witsen's work, we need to investigate the cultural history of pet ownership, and the archival records of the artistic networks to which he belonged. This way, we can understand how social and institutional contexts shape artistic expression.