A Cat Stealing Fish 1667 - 1669

Giuseppe Recco created "A Cat Stealing Fish" in the 17th century using oil on canvas. Recco, a master of the still life, elevates the everyday to high art through careful observation and skilled technique. Look closely at the surfaces: the glinting scales of the fish, the rough fur of the cat, the smooth curve of the copper pot. These are not just representations, but tactile experiences rendered in paint. The artist meticulously builds up layers of pigment, capturing the inherent qualities of each material. But what about the social context? Fish, then as now, was a commodity, a source of sustenance, and a symbol of trade. Recco's choice to depict a cat stealing fish introduces an element of disruption, of nature intruding upon the controlled world of commerce. The labor of the fishermen, the artistry of the cook – all are subverted by this act of feline thievery. By focusing on the materials, the making, and the context, we can see how Recco transforms a simple scene into a commentary on labor, value, and the unpredictable forces that shape our world.