Kat die een bord uitlikt 1821 - 1891

Guillaume Anne van der Brugghen made this drawing, "Kat die een bord uitlikt," which translates to "Cat licking a plate," likely sometime in the mid-19th century. The artist's choice to depict such an intimate, everyday scene invites us to consider the evolving role of domestic animals in society. Cats, often associated with femininity and the domestic sphere, take on new meaning in this context. During the 19th century, there was a shift in the perception of animals as mere property to beloved companions. Van der Brugghen seems to capture the emotional bond between humans and their pets. There's a sense of quiet observation in the drawing, as if we're catching a glimpse into a private moment. Consider the cat's focus and vulnerability as it indulges in a simple pleasure. Perhaps van der Brugghen uses the cat as a symbol of contentment and simplicity, offering a subtle commentary on the complexities of human life.