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DEAD CATS IN BUTCHERS
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DEAD CATS IN BUTCHERS
A butcher, planning to use cat meat as a cheap alternative, tells a distraught cat owner: No madame, I have no idea where your pet cat can have got to! Date: 1870
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 20151403
© Bubblepunk
Alternative Butcher Butchers Cats Cheap Cook Dead Distraught Idea Madame Meat Planning Siege Tells Upset Owner
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In this evocative image from 1870, a distraught cat owner stands before a butcher, her eyes filled with tears as she pleads for information about the whereabouts of her beloved pet. The butcher, with a look of feigned innocence on his face, assures her that he has no idea where her cat may have gone. However, the ominous signs in the background hint at a darker truth. The scene takes place in a bustling Parisian market, with the sounds and smells of various foodstuffs wafting through the air. The butcher's shop is located next to a fishmonger's stall, and the fresh catch of the day is displayed on ice. But amidst the abundance of fish and meat, something is amiss. The butcher's counter is strewn with the carcasses of several dead cats, their fur matted and their eyes glassy. The use of cat meat as a cheap alternative to other meats was not an uncommon practice during this time period, particularly during times of food scarcity or economic hardship. The Siege of Paris, which lasted from 1870 to 1871, resulted in widespread food shortages and drove many Parisians to seek out alternative sources of protein. Despite the prevalence of this practice, it was not without controversy. The use of cat meat was often seen as cruel and inhumane, and many animal rights activists spoke out against it. The image of a distraught cat owner being reassured by a butcher who is secretly harboring her pet's body is a poignant reminder of the complex relationship between humans and animals during this time period. The photograph, which is part of the Mary Evans collection, captures a moment of human emotion and animal suffering, and serves as a powerful reminder of the historical context in which it was taken. It also highlights the importance of empathy and compassion, even in the face of adversity.
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