Poes Lola c. 1887 - 1888

Willem Witsen created this etching titled 'Poes Lola,' whose date of creation is unknown. At first glance, the composition might strike you with its somber tones and the stark contrast between light and shadow, where a dark feline figure sits beside a bright bowl. Witsen’s formal approach invites us to consider how the interplay of line and tone constructs meaning. Note the subtle textures achieved through the etching technique, which bring a tactile quality to the image. The cat, Lola, is rendered in deep, almost impenetrable blacks, while the bowl is brought to life by the reflective qualities of the paper. This juxtaposition might explore themes of visibility and concealment, presence and absence. The work destabilizes the traditional portrait by focusing on an animal subject, infusing it with a sense of dignity. The bowl, a domestic object, serves as a signifier of care and dependency. Ultimately, the artwork operates as a semiotic system, where each element contributes to a broader commentary on domesticity and the gaze.