image 079 National Museum of Women in the Arts

The composition presents a still life arrangement dominated by fish and a feline subject. A substantial pile of fresh fish forms the central focus, arranged on a large, dark-colored platter. The fish are rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing their scales, fins, and eyes with remarkable realism. Their varied sizes and orientations contribute to a sense of abundance and naturalism. Below this arrangement sits a smaller plate displaying shellfish – oysters and shrimp – further emphasizing the theme of sustenance and luxury.
The artist placed a cat in the lower right corner, its posture suggesting alertness and predatory intent. The feline’s gaze is directed towards the fish, creating an immediate visual tension between the potential predator and its prey. The lighting highlights the cats fur, rendering it with rich tonal variations that emphasize its texture and form.
The background is a deep, dark void, which serves to isolate the objects and intensify their presence. A single, indistinct object hangs in the upper portion of the canvas, appearing as a dark shape against the blackness; its purpose remains ambiguous, contributing to the overall enigmatic quality of the scene.
Subtleties within the painting suggest deeper meanings beyond mere representation. The abundance of fish could symbolize prosperity or indulgence. The cat’s presence introduces an element of transience and the natural cycle of life and death. The juxtaposition of luxury (the shellfish) with a primal instinct (the cats predatory gaze) hints at complex relationships between human desire, nature, and mortality. The dark background contributes to a sense of mystery and introspection, inviting contemplation on themes of abundance, temptation, and the fleeting nature of existence.