Gestörte Siesta 

Carl Reichert, an Austrian artist, painted "Gestörte Siesta," sometime during his career, which stretched from the mid-19th to the early 20th century. During Reichert's time, the depiction of animals, particularly pets, became increasingly popular, reflecting changing societal values and the growing middle class. Can you see how these animals are anthropomorphized? The viewer is invited into an intimate interaction with them, which fosters a sense of empathy. The title, which translates to "Disturbed Siesta," gives a narrative entry point. The interruption suggests a disruption of peace and quiet. The identity of the disturber is outside the frame, inviting speculation. As with much art of the era, the work seems simple but suggests complex considerations of class, domesticity, and the growing accessibility of art to the middle class.