Sleeping cat 

Friedrich Wilhelm Hirt rendered this sleeping cat in sanguine, a drawing medium of reddish-brown chalk, on paper. The artist has captured the cat's curled form with loose lines and shading, focusing on its textures. Sanguine, known for its warm tones and ability to create subtle gradations, has been used since the Renaissance. In this drawing, we can clearly see Hirt's focus on the soft fur and relaxed posture of the animal. The medium lends itself well to capturing the textures of the cat, with its inherent qualities of mark-making highlighting the direction and density of the fur. Sanguine lends itself to layering and blending, allowing for the build-up of tones and a sense of volume, turning a quick sketch into an evocative portrayal. While the subject and composition may seem casual, the choice of medium and Hirt’s skillful handling indicate a deep understanding of artistic traditions. The use of sanguine, with its historical associations and unique material qualities, elevates the simple subject matter, reminding us to look closely at the artist’s choice of material when seeking a deeper understanding of their intent.