Still Life with Cat and Rayfish 1728

Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin's *Still Life with Cat and Rayfish* (1728) is a quintessential example of the French Rococo style, characterized by its focus on everyday objects and scenes. The painting depicts a simple arrangement of a rayfish, a cat, a loaf of bread, and a pitcher, all meticulously rendered with Chardin's characteristic realism and subtle lighting. The cat's watchful gaze and the stillness of the other objects create a sense of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty of ordinary things. This painting, now housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Madrid, exemplifies Chardin's mastery of still life, and remains a beloved and influential work.