Reve Rite 1972

Jerome Kaplan created this etching, titled "Reve Rite", at an unknown date. The image depicts an owl grasping a cat, but the meaning of the piece is anything but clear. In Western culture, owls are often symbolic of wisdom, but also associated with darkness and death, while cats have been alternately revered and demonized. Looking at Kaplan’s biography, we might note he was born in Chicago in 1920. The city’s urban landscape and diverse population perhaps shaped his artistic sensibilities. Kaplan would have witnessed first-hand the social dynamics of urban life. It would be fruitful to investigate whether Kaplan, in his work, consciously aligned himself with certain political movements or social causes. To gain a more comprehensive understanding, one could consult artist biographies, historical archives, and critical essays. By situating art within its historical context, we gain insight into the artist's intentions and its impact on society.