The artwork, titled “Hand with Bowl and a Cat,” was created by Vincent van Gogh in 1885 in Nunen/Nuenen, Netherlands. Executed with pencil on paper, this piece exemplifies the Realism movement and falls within the genre of sketches and studies. It currently resides in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
This drawing features a meticulously detailed rendering of a human hand holding a bowl, juxtaposed with a cat positioned to its right. The hand is depicted with pronounced anatomical precision, emphasizing the texture and contours of the skin and knuckles. The bowl, held delicately between the fingers, appears empty, suggesting a moment of anticipation or the potential provision of sustenance. The cat is portrayed in a serene, crouched posture, capturing both its physical characteristics and calm demeanor. The simplicity of the composition, devoid of background distractions, directs attention to the intimate interaction between the two subjects. The artwork’s subtle shading and the fine pencil lines highlight Van Gogh’s technical skills and his ability to convey depth and form through minimalist means.
