Opgerold liggende, slapende kat 1812

Jean Bernard created this delicate pencil drawing of a curled up, sleeping cat in the early 19th century, a time when the representation of animals, especially domestic ones, began to reflect changing social attitudes toward nature and sentimentality. Consider the role of domestic animals within the emerging middle class, where owning a pet signified a certain level of comfort and emotional connection, mirroring the era’s focus on domesticity and private life. Notice how Bernard captures the cat in a state of vulnerability and peace; such depictions became increasingly popular as they resonated with a society that valued emotional expression and empathy. The intimacy of the drawing might evoke questions about the relationship between humans and animals, and the ways in which we project our own emotions and desires onto them. This artwork offers a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of home, affection, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.