Kop van een slapende kat 1818

Jean Bernard made this drawing of a sleeping cat, with pen and brown ink on paper. Consider the qualities of the line itself: see how the artist has used hatching, tiny parallel strokes, to build up the volume of the cat’s head and fur. The varying pressure of the pen creates a sense of depth and texture, capturing the softness of the fur and the subtle contours of the cat's face. The artist has used the pen to explore the contrast between light and shadow on the cat's face, with the brown ink adding warmth and depth to the image. This technique, traditionally associated with preparatory sketches for larger paintings, elevates the drawing to a finished work of art. By focusing on the materiality and techniques used, we can appreciate the skill and artistry involved in creating this intimate portrait of a sleeping cat, challenging our assumptions about the distinction between craft and fine art.