Fine Art

Woman Eating, Known as ‘The Cat’s Breakfast’ — History & Facts

A woman of humble origin shares her meal with a cat. In the 17th century it was not unusual to consume herring with bread (and beer!) for breakfast. Due to ageing, the yellow pigment in the stems of the flowers in the vase has disappeared, turning the original green colour blue.

More Artworks by Gabriël Metsu

Woman contemplating a bird presented by a hunter, oil on canvas by Gabriël Metsu

The Hunter’s Present

Gabriël Metsu

Old Woman Meditating, oil on panel by Gabriël Metsu, features an elderly woman with a book.

Old Woman Meditating

Gabriël Metsu

Old man holding a beer tankard, oil on panel by Gabriël Metsu

The Old Drinker

Gabriël Metsu

Oil painting by Gabriël Metsu showing a mother comforting her sick child

The Sick Child

Gabriël Metsu

Browse all

More Genre Scene Art

A group of Haarlem officers in colorful sashes gathers around a banquet table set with glassware, plates, and a large pie, with a patterned banner behind them.

Banquet of the Officers of the St George Civic Guard

Frans Hals

A man in a feathered hat smiles and raises a glass while holding a woman on his lap, both dressed in elaborate 17th-century clothing with a table of objects nearby.

Rembrandt and Saskia in the Scene of the Prodigal Son

Rembrandt van Rijn

A lively outdoor scene shows couples dancing and groups seated at tables under trees, with figures in flowing dresses and straw hats.

Bal du moulin de la Galette

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

A dancer in a vivid green dress stands with hands on hips facing forward, surrounded by figures in brown, black, and pink clothing with a balcony and loosely sketched background.

Quadrille at the Moulin Rouge

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

A Burial at Ornans

A Burial at Ornans

Gustave Courbet

Two Tahitian women sit against a yellow and blue background; one wears a pale green wrap and red skirt, the other a pink dress with white trim and necklace.

When Will You Marry?

Paul Gauguin

Browse all