Blazende kat en kreeften 1763 - 1804

This etching, "Blazende kat en kreeften", was created by Johann Friedrich Gottlieb Unger. During Unger's time, the late 1700s, there was a growing interest in natural history and scientific exploration. But here, instead of scientific observation, we find an emotional narrative. Look at the cat, back arched, fur on end. A clear sign of distress. What is it about the crawfish that elicits such a response? Consider the cultural symbolism of animals. Cats often represent the domestic sphere, while shellfish can symbolize abundance but also hidden dangers. Is this Unger's commentary on the anxieties lurking beneath the surface of everyday life? Perhaps it's a reflection of a society grappling with change, unsure of what new encounters might bring. This image captures a moment of primal fear, reminding us that even in the most familiar settings, we can encounter the unexpected.