Staande vrouw en een kat 1881 - 1883

This drawing, rendered by George Hendrik Breitner, captures a woman and a cat in simple strokes. Observe the cat in the upper corner, a motif laden with symbolic weight. The cat, often associated with independence and mystery, has enjoyed a complex relationship with humanity. From ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as divine protectors, to the medieval period, where they were sometimes linked to witchcraft, the cat embodies both fascination and fear. The presence of the cat here adds a layer of introspective depth, suggesting a shared space between human contemplation and animal instinct. This age-old motif, passed down through history, continues to resonate, reminding us of the enduring bond between humans and the animal world, and how each reflects our own subconscious nature.