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In this painting, a boy stands in a field cradling a cat. Meeting the viewer’s gaze, their shared expression suggests a close bond and we learn from the artist’s chosen title that the boy is unwell. Within his cast shadow you can just see an eye looking back at you. Is this shadow-figure a portent, warning of illness or death? Does the boy find comfort and healing from his companionship with the cat? What, at first glance, appears to be a straightforward portrait of a boy and his pet, soon becomes a stranger and more mysterious image.