The Cat in Art: The 1600s to Modern Times

During the 17th century, there were only a few women artists and only a few cats that would allow themselves to be painted. One artist, a Judith Leyster, who was a student of Franz Hal and painted his style, used one very reluctant kitten in a 1629 painting entitled “Laughing Children With Cat.” Perhaps the most famous depiction of a feline from this period comes from Rembrandt’s etching, “Virgin and Child With Cat.” This work of art is considered a masterpiece that set a standard for all intimate views of maternity depicted by artists in subsequent centuries. Dutch artist, Jan … Continue reading

The Cat in Art: The Ancient World To 1600

Although the cat as we know it today first appeared on the scene about 10 million years ago, it took another two thousand years to establish a healthy interaction with humans. Cats protected the farmer’s grain from mice and other rodents and the farmer protected and gave shelter to an otherwise feral cat population. Although cats are represented (although rarely) in some prehistoric cave paintings, they seemed to have made their artistic debut in murals found on the palace walls of Minoan Crete. Many animals are depicted among lush vegetation, and in one fragment a cat can be seen behind … Continue reading