Ronner, Henriëtte – Katjesspel, 1860-1878 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The composition presents a domestic interior scene, meticulously rendered with a focus on texture and light. A young cat occupies the foreground, its black and white markings sharply defined against the polished surface of a dark wooden table. The feline is positioned mid-action, seemingly investigating a scattering of dominoes and a small bowl containing what appears to be a cigar and a cutter.
The tabletop itself dominates much of the visual space. It reflects light in a way that suggests a highly varnished finish, creating highlights and shadows that contribute to the overall sense of realism. Several rectangular objects – likely more domino sets – are arranged on the table alongside scattered paper and a pen, suggesting an interrupted game or a moment of leisure.
Behind the table, a heavy curtain hangs in deep folds, its muted green tones contrasting with the brighter colors of the tabletop and the cat’s fur. A glimpse of architectural detail is visible beyond the curtain – a section of wall with what appears to be a cornice. The lighting within the room seems to originate from an unseen source on the left, casting shadows that enhance the three-dimensionality of the objects.
The subtexts embedded in this scene are subtle but significant. The presence of the cat introduces an element of playful disruption into a traditionally human domain – the world of games and leisure. It suggests a blurring of boundaries between domesticity and wildness, order and chaos. The cigar cutter and the cigar itself hint at masculine pursuits, potentially implying a commentary on gender roles or societal expectations within the home.
The overall impression is one of quiet intimacy and observation. The artist’s attention to detail – the texture of the fur, the sheen of the wood, the folds of the curtain – suggests an appreciation for the mundane beauty of everyday life. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when domesticity was valued and leisure was pursued with deliberate care.