Kop van een kat 1807 - 1861

Cornelis Steffelaar etched this head of a cat in the 19th century. The feline, an animal of contradiction, has a prominent place in our collective memory. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered as divine protectors, embodying grace and mystery. Bastet, the cat-headed goddess, symbolized fertility and domesticity. Yet, fast forward to the Middle Ages, and we find the cat demonized, associated with witchcraft and darkness, a stark contrast to its earlier veneration. Even today, this duality persists, with the cat embodying both the domestic comfort of a fireside companion and the untamed spirit of the night. Here, Steffelaar captures this essence. The cat's lowered brow and focused gaze evoke both curiosity and caution. The image taps into our deep-seated, often conflicting, feelings about these creatures. It is a reminder of how symbols are not fixed, but evolve through history, shaped by our fears, desires, and cultural narratives.