Portret van een onbekende vrouw met kat 1756

This mezzotint portrait by James McArdell shows an unknown woman tenderly holding a cat. The prominent symbol here is the cat itself, steeped in a rich, complex history across cultures. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered, embodying grace and protection, often associated with goddesses. Yet, fast forward to the Middle Ages in Europe, and we see the cat, particularly the black cat, demonized. This shift highlights the fluidity of symbols and how their meanings can invert over time. The black cat became a symbol of witchcraft and ill omen, reflecting deep-seated fears and superstitions. Here, the woman's gentle embrace suggests a return to the cat as a symbol of domesticity and comfort, moving away from the darker associations. But does the shadow of those older superstitions still linger? It seems that the image may tap into our collective memory, evoking both warmth and a subtle sense of unease. It shows how emotional and psychological connotations can persist, even as overt meanings evolve.