Many artists seem to be fascinated by cats, finding them inspirational, cats have been prominent in many artworks both past and still now in current day.
An artistic free spirit and these distinct felines have had a long history in common, especially in painting.
Since ancient Egypt, where they were considered as gods, cats were prominent in artworks.
They were also in fact the privileged companions of many writers, poets and painters, how amazing is that !
Therefore it is the independent and mysterious character of the cat that seems to fascinate lovers from within the Arts hence why the cat is often incorporated through words or form within their work.
HISTORY OF CATS IN PAINTING AND ART
From the demonic symbol to the status of star
Within paintings cats have evolved from the negative, even demonic, symbol in Christian iconography, to the status of star in modern painters, as well as having been a subject of study at the time of Renaissance until the nineteenth century.
From Renaissance to realism
The painters of the Renaissance period often represented cats in their work. Leonardo da Vinci considered them as one of natures masterpieces and carried out several studies on this.
Cats can also be found in paintings by Rembrandt, Veronese, Jerome Bosch and In the eighteenth century, Gottfried Mind became affectionately referred to as “Raphael of cats”.
In the nineteenth century, Delacroix, Géricault and Corot designed cats and Courbet placed them in realistic scenes.
In the modern era
The cat remained present whilst painting evolved towards surrealism. Within gentle scenes of paintings by Renoir, Suzanne Valadon cats were there, whilst also in post-impressionism with the widely recognised artposters of Toulouse-Lautrec, everyone I’m sure remembers those of the tour of the cabaret and of course “Le chat noir”.
In the modern era, a large number of artists from various movements painted cats according to their style of predilection: Henri Matisse, Andre Derain, Pierre Bonnard, Picasso, Fernand Léger, Joan Miró, Paul Klee, Warhol …
Street art and graffiti
Urban artists strongly continue this tradition. Whether it’s paintings, paintings with free hand spray can, gigantic murals, … Cats are present in many artworks of urban art for example Obey Giant, C215, Okuda, SMOK, …
Artists enable us to discover cats from all angles and perspectives and helps us love these amazing animals even more!
No artist seems to have resisted the temptation and form of the Cat within their work, leaving us purring in pleasure with delight.
We would like you to discover this second selection of Graffiti Cats. And if you missed, you can still discover our first selection here: Street Art & Graffiti Cats #1
Enjoy!
“CATS ON WALLS” PHOTO GALLERY
All pictures by courtesy of artists and from social networks
Great selection 🙂
reflagging this fabulous post.
Reblogged this on that little voice and commented:
Cats win Street Art and Graffiti is a ‘must’ post whether you are a cat lover or not. Fabulous street art.
Great pieces of work, they can only make you stop and think – or should I say ‘paws’ for thought.
How FABULOUS was that!!!! Definitely reblogging this great post. Thank you.
amazing artworks
Pirate cat graffiti by Paris Xyntarianos Tsiropinas (Really? Team) at Hermoupolis, Syros island, Greece.
I add the infos 🙂 Great artwork ! Just love it.
Added. Great Artwork 🙂 Love it