Cats (recto); Sketch of Two Figures Embracing (verso)

Drawing was an essential part of Théodule Ribot's practice and he often sketched his environs from life. As a realist artist, Ribot favored humble subjects taken from everyday life. This double-sided sheet was likely one that he reused for two disparate images: a cat viewed from three angles, perhaps in his studio, and what appears to be a sculpture of two figures embracing.