A Mother Cat and her Kitten with a Bracket Clock (1897) by Henriëtte Ronner-Knip

  • Title
    A Mother Cat and her Kitten with a Bracket Clock
  • Artist
    Henriëtte Ronner-Knip (1821–1909), Dutch
  • Date
    1897
  • Medium
    Oil on canvas
  • Collection
    Rijksmuseum
  • 4082 x 5120 pixels, JPEG, 23.93 MB
  • Once payment is complete, the download link will be sent to your payment email.
  • Public Domain Content: Free for Personal & Commercial Use.

Artwork Story

Henriëtte Ronner-Knip’s A Mother Cat and her Kitten with a Bracket Clock captures an intimate moment between feline companions, bathed in warm, golden light that highlights the soft textures of their fur. The mother cat lounges gracefully beside an ornate bracket clock, her watchful gaze fixed on the playful kitten nestled close, its tiny paws reaching out with curiosity. The clock, a striking detail, adds a touch of domestic elegance, its intricate carvings contrasting with the organic forms of the animals. Ronner-Knip’s delicate brushwork brings life to every whisker and fold, while the muted yet rich palette evokes a sense of quiet coziness, as if the scene unfolds in a sunlit corner of a well-loved home.

Beyond its charming subject, the painting subtly explores themes of care and time—the mother’s protective presence mirroring the clock’s silent guardianship over the room. Ronner-Knip, renowned for her animal portraits, infuses the work with a tenderness that feels almost palpable, as though the viewer has stumbled upon a private moment. The kitten’s playful energy and the clock’s stillness create a delightful tension, inviting reflection on the fleeting nature of youth and the steady rhythm of daily life. It’s a masterful balance of detail and emotion, showcasing the artist’s ability to turn a simple scene into something deeply evocative.

About the Artist

Henriëtte Ronner-Knip (1821–1909), Dutch, Henriëtte Ronner-Knip, a Dutch-Belgian artist, carved a niche for herself in the 19th-century art world with her romantic animal paintings, particularly those featuring cats, which garnered widespread acclaim. Born into an artistic family in Amsterdam on May 31, 1821, she was the daughter of Josephus Augustus Knip, a painter, and Cornelia van Leeuwen. Her early life was marked by moves across Europe, including a stint in Paris, before settling back in the Netherlands. Despite her father's declining health and eventual blindness, Henriëtte's artistic talents flourished under his guidance.
In 1850, she married Feico Ronner, with whom she had six children, three of whom followed in their parents' artistic footsteps. The family resided in Brussels, where Henriëtte produced her most celebrated works. Her paintings, signed 'Henriëtte Ronner' post-marriage, were characterized by their detailed portrayal of animals, especially cats, capturing their elegance and whimsy with a romantic flair. Her work not only reflected the Victorian era's fascination with pets but also showcased her technical skill and sensitivity to her subjects. Henriëtte's legacy is commemorated in Amsterdam and Leiden, where streets bear her name, a testament to her enduring influence on animal portraiture.

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A Mother Cat and her Kitten with a Bracket Clock (1897) by Henriëtte Ronner-Knip

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Digital product: A Mother Cat and her Kitten with a Bracket Clock (1897) by Henriëtte Ronner-Knip

Specs: 4082 x 5120 pixels, JPEG, 23.93 MB

Quantity: 1