The Cat c. 19th century

Curator: This is "The Cat", a print by John Burnet, who lived from 1784 to 1868. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. My first impression is how dynamic and busy the composition is, despite the limited grayscale palette. Editor: The scene depicts a bustling marketplace transaction. What strikes me are the various textures rendered through printmaking: the smooth skin of the fowl, the rough weave of the baskets, the fleshy cabbages. Curator: Indeed, the material culture is palpable. Consider the social context: Burnet was part of a broader movement to democratize art through printmaking, making scenes of everyday life accessible to a wider audience. Editor: And the inclusion of the cat, focused on the duck, is a compelling element. I wonder about the role of animals within the 19th century marketplace and homes. Curator: It subtly suggests the interplay between domesticity and the commercial sphere, and the role of animals in both. The print offers a glimpse into the labor and trade that sustained daily life. Editor: Absolutely, it makes you wonder about the lives of those represented, the transaction taking place, and the artist’s intent in portraying this moment in time.