Kat 1881 - 1883

This is "Kat," a graphite drawing by George Hendrik Breitner. It shows a cat crouched down low, its body angled to the right. The artist is working here with elemental materials: graphite, and paper, the most accessible of artistic media. Notice the texture of the paper itself, providing a subtle contrast to the artist's marks. The cat is drawn with a series of short, broken lines, that build up a sense of volume and mass. The drawing is very minimal: a few strokes to indicate the cat's head, body, and legs. Yet the essence of the animal is captured. Breitner was known for his interest in capturing the everyday life of Amsterdam. In this drawing, he has turned his attention to a humble subject: a domestic cat. Yet by giving the animal his full artistic attention, Breitner elevates it beyond mere representation, revealing its inherent dignity and beauty. It is a testament to the power of simple materials, and careful observation.