Curatorial notes
Albert Quantin created this print, titled "Het was een kat," which translates to "It was a cat," sometime between 1850 and 1933. Through a series of panels reminiscent of a comic strip, the narrative unfolds around a group of boys who drop a cat into a well. The story speaks to historical attitudes toward animals, particularly in the context of childhood socialization, reflecting how power dynamics were instilled through treatment of the powerless. Here, the cat becomes a prop in a drama that involves the entire community, exposing the social dynamics within the village. Note how the women and men respond differently. The boys' cruelty is met with a collective effort to rescue the cat, suggesting a shared sense of moral responsibility. This print not only captures a moment of childhood mischief but also holds up a mirror to the communal values and gendered roles within its society. It prompts us to consider how compassion and social order are negotiated and maintained.
