The White Cat (Le Chat Blanc)
Whilst we’re on the subject of cats (see yesterday’s post), I can’t resist sharing with you this absolutely indelible painting of a white cat by Pierre Bonard.
Inspired by Japanese paintings of cats (see below for an example of), Bonnard attempted to paint “the idea” of a cat.
It’s almost a caricature, with its elongated forms and long legs. But in its distinctive arching movement there is also something that depicts the essence of a cat, its aloofness, and the ambiguity of its gaze. Is the cat plotting against us or just waiting for its food?
As the saying goes, you can keep a dog, but it’s cats who keep people.
Ps: here’s a lovely example of Kuniyoshi Utagawa’s work (1814), depicting cats in different poses.
Thank you for reading my newsletter! My goal is to make learning about fine Art simple and free for anyone. If you’d like to help me keep posting, please become a paying subscriber by clicking below.
ncG1vNJzZmiipaG2orrPoaClp6OkvanFjaysm6uklrCsesKopGioX6m1pnnWoaCtnV2YrrV5y55knKCRqXqjuMCnmg%3D%3D