Kop van een lapjeskat, van voren, met gesloten ogen 1819

Jean Bernard created this delicate drawing of a cat’s head using graphite, pen, and watercolor. The fine lines of graphite give the cat’s fur a soft, almost hazy texture, while the pen adds definition to the eyes, nose, and whiskers. Notice how the watercolor washes bring the cat to life, creating a subtle contrast between light and shadow. The artist applied the washes sparingly, allowing the paper to show through and give the drawing an ethereal quality. Bernard was working at a time when printmaking was becoming increasingly mechanized, which put pressure on artists to demonstrate their virtuosity through handwork. This drawing, with its meticulous detail and delicate coloring, exemplifies that ethos. It reminds us that the value of art lies not only in its subject matter but also in the skill and care that goes into its making. By appreciating the labor and materials involved, we can challenge the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.