Meisje met hoed en een liggende kat c. 1840 - 1860

Charles Rochussen, a 19th-century artist, sketched "Meisje met hoed en een liggende kat" using graphite on paper. Rochussen was known for his ability to capture scenes from everyday life, often with a humorous or satirical twist. In this drawing, Rochussen juxtaposes the girl's rigid, formal attire with the cat’s carefree abandon. The girl, seen from behind, is almost swallowed by her elaborate dress and oversized hat, reflecting the restrictive social expectations placed on women during this era. Meanwhile, the cat, blissfully unbothered and playfully lounging, represents a sense of freedom. Rochussen seems to be inviting us to consider the constraints of societal norms versus the ease of animal existence. The image evokes a sense of empathy for the girl, perhaps trapped by her social role, while hinting at the liberating potential of breaking free from such expectations.