The Spirit of the House: Still Life with Cat

In this close-up still life, we see a set of four vessels (plant pot, jugs, and vase) upon a table, interspersed with fruit and a handkerchief. Above the table is an image of three musicians. Below, a happy cat brushes itself against the table’s edge. The nature of the items reminds us that this is a real domestic scene: the objects are household and not arranged to impress. The cat nearly obstructs the view of the items as if it has just jumped up. This casual composition is intimate and relaxed. The poster of the musicians invigorates our musical senses and we feel that this painting is a snapshot of a real, relatable life. The diagonal lines formed by the table splits up the composition and emphasises the unceremonious and spontaneous nature of the scene.