Grooming cat 

This is Friedrich Wilhelm Hirt's drawing of a cat grooming itself, now held in the Städel Museum. The immediacy of the sketch invites us into a moment of feline self-care. Yet, it also reminds us of the historical context in which animals, especially domestic ones, have been viewed through a lens of human utility and control. Representations of animals often mirror societal attitudes towards marginalized groups, reflecting a desire to categorize and control the natural world. Is Hirt's cat simply an object of observation, or does it possess a sense of autonomy and self-awareness? The act of grooming, typically private, is here laid bare. As we observe this intimate act, consider the power dynamics at play, and whether Hirt’s sketch challenges traditional representations, offering a glimpse into the emotional and personal life of a creature often reduced to its function.