Sleeping cats

"Sleeping cats" is a Sketch and study that embodies the Symbolist movement's emphasis on mood and symbolism over strict realism. Emerging during the late 19th-century cultural movement that began in poetry, the painting reflects the transition from realistic depictions (Realism) to more subjective and poetic representations. Through its subtle use of color and form, it evokes a quiet, dreamlike atmosphere aligned with Symbolism's goal to express inner feelings and mysteries. The work highlights how Symbolist artists sought to transcend literal reality, drawing viewers into a world of symbolic meaning and emotional depth.