De kat 1833 - 1900

This is ‘The Cat’, a print by Glenisson & Van Genechten. It presents a seemingly straightforward image of a seated cat, but its visual codes offer insight into the cultural context of its creation. The print, likely produced in 19th-century Belgium, reflects the rising popularity of mass-produced images and the developing role of visual media in shaping social values. Cats, traditionally associated with folklore and superstition, gained new cultural currency as symbols of domesticity and companionship during this period. The image’s stylization and the inclusion of text suggest an educational or moralizing purpose, potentially aimed at children. To fully understand this artwork, we can draw upon resources such as historical archives, printmaking catalogues, and studies of popular culture. By examining its production, distribution, and reception, we can uncover the social and institutional forces that shaped its creation and meaning.