Sleeping Cat 1903

Curator: This is "Sleeping Cat," a drawing completed around 1903 by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. The artwork is executed in charcoal and pastel. Editor: Ah, it's lovely! The cat seems to just melt into the paper. All blurry edges and sleepy vibes. Reminds me of trying to get comfortable in a bad airplane seat, that awkward bonelessness. Curator: That sensation resonates, especially when we consider the social and economic contexts surrounding Steinlen's work. He frequently depicted the lives of working-class Parisians, and cats were often portrayed alongside those living on the margins. Do you think this reflects a certain empathy on Steinlen’s part? Editor: Empathy? Totally. There's no judgement, only affection in how he captured this little fur-blob. It feels private, almost like we’re intruding on its nap. Cats as symbols of the outsider…makes sense. Ever notice how much cats just DGAF? Curator: It's certainly worth examining that nonchalance as resistance, particularly for those on the outskirts. In addition, it may speak to Steinlen’s association with Symbolism. We might reflect upon the broader sociopolitical discourse embedded within such a seemingly simple subject. How do we relate the animal form with identity? Editor: Symbolism makes me think of dreams and subconscious weirdness, which…yeah, checks out for a cat. Always in their own world, plotting something, probably the downfall of humanity. Just kidding...mostly. I still see a portrait of pure bliss in this artwork. It’s amazing to see an image this understated trigger bigger dialogues around resistance and the everyday grind. I could look at it all day. Curator: It highlights how intimacy, such as the portrayal of a domestic animal in slumber, can act as a crucial access point to wider cultural commentary and more theoretical dialogues. Editor: Couldn't agree more. It's simple, direct, yet allows you to spin wild and interesting takes. Like any really good cat picture.