Kop van een kat 1880 - 1882

Curator: Oh, look, what a sweet drawing. Editor: Yes, it's intriguing, somewhat somber even. A sketch of a cat’s head by George Hendrik Breitner, created between 1880 and 1882, now residing here at the Rijksmuseum. Curator: It feels like a fleeting moment captured, a gentle observation. I imagine Breitner pausing, just for a breath, to immortalize this kitty on aged paper. Editor: Precisely. Breitner was a master of realism, capturing the everyday with a raw honesty, you can notice that the drawing consists of minimal pencil strokes. Think about the art world then. Animal portraits were common, usually commissions showcasing pets’ importance within wealthy households. Curator: Ah, the rise of pet obsession! No, I feel there's more to it, with a sketch-like style which indicates an artist just sketching casually something cute they see in a glimpse. The almost aged, gentle quality reminds me of lost treasures, of finding something beautiful in the mundane. Editor: But the choice of subject matter shifts when removed from commission and viewed through realism's lens. Here, the cat is presented not as a pampered companion but simply as... itself. It removes some hierarchy when it is presented like that. And what effect do you believe it has in museums? Curator: Well, it makes art accessible! Art loses a bit of the intimidation effect by using subjects from normal day to day life. Plus the very simple materials – pencil, paper – it grounds art in tangible reality. And for viewers, I imagine they must feel as if they could do it, just drawing casually without a great composition like they're used to seeing, this increases accessibility. What do you think? Editor: I’d agree, up to a point. Exhibiting pieces like these reflects an institution's evolving self-perception. The museum expands the narrative to include quotidian scenes as objects of value. But it inevitably invites this kind of romantic sentimentality as well! Curator: Perhaps. But either way, it invites one to pause, to connect, to recognize beauty in quiet corners. And that's no small feat, is it? Editor: Not at all, that's a fine contribution to make. Thanks for helping look closer.