Eenige bijzonderheden uit het leven van Richard Whittington, wiens geboortejaar niet juist bekend is (...). 1820 - 1848

This series of prints depicting the life of Richard Whittington was made by Christiaan Jacob Schuyling, sometime before 1830. Observe how each scene conveys a specific moment in Whittington's journey, marked by both hardship and fortune. The recurring image of the cat symbolizes Whittington's prosperity. This motif echoes ancient beliefs where cats were revered for their ability to protect stores from rodents, thus ensuring wealth. We see similar symbolism in ancient Egyptian art, where cats were associated with protection and domestic harmony. Notice how the artist uses the cat to signify Whittington's changing fortunes. The cat represents a cyclical movement of fate—from poverty to wealth and back again. Such cycles reflect the human experience of fortune, a universal theme explored across cultures and throughout history. This image engages our collective memory, reminding us of the enduring quest for prosperity and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies it.