Cat and statue--Early New York City no number c. 1947 - 1948

Robert Frank captured this gelatin silver print, "Cat and statue--Early New York City no number," with a keen eye for form and structure. The composition, divided into a series of frames, presents a visual sequence of a cat interacting with a statue, set against the backdrop of what appears to be a window ledge adorned with potted plants. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the contrast between light and shadow, accentuating the textures of the cat's fur, the smooth surface of the statue, and the organic forms of the plants. The repetition of the subject across the frames invites a semiotic reading, wherein each frame functions as a signifier, contributing to a larger narrative about perception and representation. Frank destabilizes the traditional photographic practice by presenting a contact sheet as the final artwork. This choice challenges the notion of a singular, definitive image. The photograph becomes a site of multiple possibilities and perspectives, reflecting a broader artistic concern with how we construct meaning from fragments and repetitions.