Tag: pets
Between the angel and the devil
I have a soft spot for anthropomorphic images of animals, especially cats. In this lithograph by J. J. Grandville, a prolific 19th-century French illustrator, a young kitty is caught between her angelic and demonic nature. She seems keen on the Evil One, but can you blame her when the angel looks almost as malicious but nowhere near as fun.
Cat and Plum Blossoms by Hishida Shunso
I love minimalist Japanese paintings of cats and this soft and delicate artwork is just gorgeous. The puss looks like it’s trying to tuck in its paws on a chilly spring morning.
My Cats by Charles Bukowski
I know. I know.
they are limited, have different
needs and
concerns.
but I watch and learn from them.
I like the little they know,
which is so
much.
they complain but never
worry,
they walk with a surprising dignity.
they sleep with a direct simplicity that
humans just can’t
understand.
their eyes are more
beautiful than our eyes.
and they can sleep 20 hours
a day
without
hesitation or
remorse.
when I am feeling
low
all I have to do is
watch my cats
and my
courage
returns.
I study these
creatures.
they are my
teachers.
Leisure Day by Togyu Okumura
On my recent trip to Japan, I had every intent to see some Japanese art at a gallery or museum, but then we got sidetracked by the exhibitions of French Impressionists and Van Gogh; skipping them just wasn’t an option. This adorable watercolour painting of a lounging cat at the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo is one of artworks we missed out on. The cat’s eyes say worry, but its smile says mischief.
Trim the Cat
While looking for more cat-themed paintings, I came across what is considered to be Australia’s most famous feline: a black-and-white cat called Trim, who accompanied explorer Matthew Flinders on his voyage around the coastline of Australia. Trim was a true seafaring cat, born aboard the ship in 1799 and made a favourite for his grit, intelligence and cheeky personality.
The plaque at the Mitchell Library in Sydney has this moving dedication written by Flinders in memory of his cat:
The best and most illustrious of his race
The most affectionate of friends,
faithful of servants,
and best of creatures
He made the tour of the globe, and a voyage to Australia,
which he circumnavigated, and was ever the
delight and pleasure of his fellow voyagers
My Wife’s Lovers by Carl Kahler
This sumptuous painting depicts forty-two Persian and Angora cats belonging to the American millionaire Kate Birdsall Johnson, the ultimate cat lady. The magnificent boy at the centre is a Persian cat called Sultan.
Le Chat Noir by Théophile Steinlen
This Art Nouveau poster, advertising a 19th-century Parisian cabaret, has been reproduced endlessly on mugs, cushion covers, tote bags and fridge magnets. Though it’s iconic to the point of cliché, I could not resist hanging a framed copy in my own living room.
Charlie the Cat at Seven
While the news cycle in the outside world is spinning faster and faster every day, Charlie’s little world has remained blissfully simple, with only minor bumps.
Woman With Cat by Kees Von Dongen
A gorgeous and delicate painting. I love the complementary colours and the tender body language, both from the cat and the woman holding the cat. My own cat will tolerate being held for a couple of seconds tops.
