Cats on Canvas

Curiosity Horatio Henry Couldery

English artist Horatio Henry Couldery was known for the details he expressed in this painting. He was a popular artist the latter half of the 19th century and known for his paintings of animals mostly cats. He created a series of paintings featuring cats in various scenes. This artwork was titled in reference to the well-known saying “curiosity killed the cat”. In the painting three cats are crouched down, carefuly listening to the movements of a small mouse enclosed in a cage.

Julie Manet (Child With Cat) Pierre-Auguste Renoir

French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir was a highly regarded artist during the Impressionist Period of the mid-19th century. The painter was known for his artwork depicting scenes in and around busy cities in France. Among his best known paintings is this artwork showing a child of a dear friend Edouard Manet holding a cat. His friend’s daughter Julie is seen sitting on a chair with the cat laying comfortably in her lap.

Gabrielle Arnault as a Child Louis-Leopold Boilly

French artist Louis-Leopold Boilly was popular toward the end of the 18th century known for his portraits. In this artwork he depicts a little girt holding a cat. He has captured a cute expression of the face of little Gabrielle Arnault.

A Young Girl With a Cat Berthe Morisot

French Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot completed this artwork in 1892. It depicts a teenage girl with a cat by her legs and her eyes are focused on the viewer of the painting. Morisot was known to use gentle brushstrokes and glowing light effects.

The White Cat Franz Marc (pictured above)

German artist Franz Marc emerged as a talented painter during the Expressionist Movement. He was known for creating artwork featuring animals keeping some as pets in his studio or home. Among his best-known artworks is this one depicting a white cat sleeping, It was completed in 1912. The bold colors surrounding the cat draw the viewer’s attention to the details.

Cat With Her Kittens Julius Adam

German artist Julius Adam was known for his love of cat which he kept in his studio and at home. He was known for creating many paintings featuring cats in various activities. This painting was done in 1913 and is among his most recognized featuring a cat with her kittens. He uses lush colors to make the green vegetation stand out among the white and reddish colored cats making them blend into the setting naturally.

The Cat and Two Sparrows Marc Chagall

Russian artist Marc Chagall was known as one of the most famous painters in Russia. He was known for abstract art. This artwork was completed in 1952 and has the characteristic blurred lines and warped perspective his paintings were known for. In the painting a small cat is waiting for two sparrows to come within striking distance so he can pounce on them.

Cat Eating a Bird Pablo Picasso

Spanish artist Pablo Picasso was known for paintings that were unusual and drew the viewer’s attention. In the modern era he played a prominent role in Cubism, Surrealism, and other forms of modern art. Among his better known paintings is this artwork completed in 1939 depicting sharp angles and blended colors. This painting shows the cat with the bird.

American Artists

Sara Holding a Cat Mary Cassatt

American artist Mary Cassatt was known for painting young children and their siblings or parents. She was a painter during the latter half of the Impressionist Movement. Her artwork was inspired by such prominent artists as French Impressionist artist Edgar Degas. She enjoyed depicting cats in her paintings particularly of young children holding them. This artwork was completed in 1908 and shows a young girl holding a cat in her lap.