Artwork
An Old Woman with Cat
An Old Woman with Cat is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Max Liebermann. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum. Created in 1890, this oil painting shows an elderly woman seated on a chair with a black cat nestled on her lap.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1890, this oil painting shows an elderly woman seated on a chair with a black cat nestled on her lap. The figure is dressed in a long skirt and a white blouse, her gray hair pulled back, while a plain brick wall forms the backdrop. The composition captures a moment of quiet domesticity, emphasizing the gentle interaction between the woman and the animal.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on everyday life, portraying a calm, intimate scene in which the woman’s serene gaze rests on the sleeping cat. The tender pose and the soft handling of the cat suggest themes of companionship and the comfort of routine, reflecting the artist’s interest in ordinary moments that reveal personal warmth.
Technique & Style
Employing chiaroscuro, the painter contrasts the illuminated figures against the darker surroundings, giving the woman and cat a three‑dimensional presence. Loose brushwork and a muted palette align the piece with the Impressionist tendencies that influenced the artist, while the careful rendering of textures—fabric, fur, and brick—adds realism within the atmospheric effect.
History & Provenance
The German artist, known for his role in continental Impressionism, produced the canvas after studying in Weimar, Paris, and the Netherlands and establishing his studio in Berlin. The painting entered the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum, where it remains on view, illustrating the artist’s enduring relevance in the study of late‑19th‑century European art.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Max Liebermann (20 July 1847 – 8 February 1935) was a German painter and printmaker, and one of the leading proponents of Impressionism in Germany and continental Europe.
