Who painted Cat at Play?

Cat at Play was painted by Unknown in 1795.

Where can I see Cat at Play?

Cat at Play is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Cat at Play?

Cat at Play is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Cat at Play

Unknown , 1795

Cat at Play is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Unknown. It dates from 1795 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Cat at Play is a painting depicting a young gray cat engaging with dominoes on a wooden table, with a nearby ashtray holding a lit cigar, poised on the brink of potential chaos.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures a lighthearted, everyday moment of a cat's playful nature, tapping into the sentimental affection for pets prevalent among the artist's contemporaries in the 19th century.

Technique & Style

While specific technical details of 'Cat at Play' are not provided, the work is attributed to Henriëtte Ronner-Knip, known for her detailed and endearing cat tableaux, characteristic of her popular style.

History & Provenance

Attributed to Dutch artist Henriëtte Ronner-Knip, 'Cat at Play' reflects her successful formula of capturing whimsical cat moments, appealing to 19th-century audiences' love for pets.

Context

Created during a time when pet-keeping was a growing middle-class phenomenon, the painting aligns with the era's sentimental views on domestic life and companionship.