Kittens, waaronder een kitten slapend naast een schaal 1834 - 1906

This pencil drawing of kittens was made by Maria Vos, a Dutch artist who lived in the 19th century. It captures a domestic scene, but it also reflects broader shifts in Dutch society at that time. During the 1800s, the Netherlands experienced significant social and economic changes. The rise of the middle class led to a greater emphasis on home and family life. Images of domestic animals became increasingly popular as symbols of comfort and companionship. Vos, as a female artist, had to navigate a male-dominated art world. By focusing on domestic subjects, she found a niche that was both marketable and personally meaningful. The Rijksmuseum provides further details of Vos' life and career. Their archives offer a glimpse into the social conditions that shaped her artistic production. Studying the historical context helps us appreciate the complexities of this seemingly simple drawing.