The Cat Trapped and Beaten c. 1645 - 1656

"The Cat Trapped and Beaten" is an etching created by the Dutch artist Allart van Everdingen sometime between 1645 and 1656. The etching depicts a scene of violence, with four figures beating and tormenting a helpless cat. The scene is set indoors, with the figures standing around a table, and the cat lying on the floor. The etching is a testament to the artist's skill, with the figures rendered with great detail and the mood of the scene effectively conveyed through the use of light and shadow. Despite the disturbing nature of the subject matter, "The Cat Trapped and Beaten" remains a significant work of art, offering a glimpse into the social and cultural values of the time.