Zich wassende katten c. 1894

Julie de Graag sketched this study of cats washing themselves on paper with pencil in the early 20th century. The sketch feels immediate, almost like a snapshot. But what does it mean to capture such a scene? In the early 20th century, Dutch art experienced a tension between traditional representation and modern expression. Artists like De Graag found themselves in a rapidly changing art world. The establishment encouraged a more academic style, but many artists were drawn to experimentation and a simplification of form, pushing against traditional boundaries. De Graag, though now somewhat overlooked, was part of a generation grappling with these shifts. Her choice to depict such a domestic, everyday scene may be a reflection of the push-pull of the art world at the time. Understanding De Graag's place in the Dutch art scene requires delving into exhibition records, artists' letters, and critical reviews. Only then can we appreciate how her seemingly simple sketch participates in the complex dialogue of her time.