"In 1835, a tortoiseshell cat measuring more than three feet long was enough to warrant a small advertisement in a British newspaper that as "the greatest curiosity ever shown to the public," it could be viewed at the Ship Tavern in London. Surely a pint of ale was the informal fee to view this extraordinary animal. It was during the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe that cats became increasingly recognized as worthy pets, beyond their role as mousers."
"Forthcoming from Phaidon, the book celebrates, well, exactly what you'd expect. From contemporary sculpture and illustrations to early photography and internet memes, the volume runs the gamut of feline personalities and depictions in art throughout the millennia. Yet no matter how diverse the portrayals or how long ago they were created, the creatures' expressiveness-even ridiculousness-is universally relatable. Cat surveys an immense range of mediums and eras, from medieval illuminated manuscripts to modern street art."
In 1835 a tortoiseshell cat more than three feet long was advertised as "the greatest curiosity ever shown to the public" and displayed at the Ship Tavern in London. During the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe cats became increasingly recognized as pets beyond their rodent-control role, while breweries and distilleries continued to keep cats for grain protection. Cats hold supernatural significance in Japanese folklore and divine status in ancient Egypt. A forthcoming Phaidon volume surveys feline depictions across media and eras—from medieval illuminated manuscripts to internet memes—featuring artists such as Xuan Loc Xuan, Lee Sangsoo, and Utagawa Hiroshige, and is slated for February 11 release.
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