Cat Sleeping In A Corner 1902

This print, "Cat Sleeping In A Corner" by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, captures a feline moment with a web of fine dark marks. It’s all about the layering, isn't it? I imagine Steinlen coaxing this image out of the plate, wiping away and adding ink, maybe even scratching at it a little, until this cat slowly emerged. The texture alone seems like it would have been a real labor of love. I can almost feel the artist's hand, the pressure of the tool, the intimate connection with the metal. I’m thinking about the way those marks build up to create form. It’s like, each one is a little question, a little search for the essence of "catness." And that relaxed pose! That's the best thing about cats, right? That uncanny ability to just let go and be totally present. It is not unlike the state an artist tries to achieve. There's a conversation between artists happening here, across time and space. From Manet to Balthus, artists seem to be eternally inspired by cats! For me, this piece is about how painting can hold space for uncertainty and exploration, inviting viewers to bring their own experiences and interpretations to the work.