Black cats have a long and mysterious history, often associated with magic and superstition. But did you know that these sleek felines also hold a special place in the world of art? From ancient Egypt to modern-day masterpieces, black cats have been a captivating subject for artists throughout history. But how did black cats become the feline stars of art history?
Here at Baldy and The Fidget, we are known for incorporating a black cat into our wall art prints, featuring it in amusing movies or superhero outfits. Initially, we offered a variety of print themes. However, when we created our Thor and Loki cat prints, they were an instant hit, and our black cat's popularity skyrocketed and lead to a larger black cat wall art collection. Although we adore all cats, the enigmatic and fascinating nature of black cats holds a special place in our hearts. In addition to this, in the UK (where we are from), a black cat arriving at your home or crossing your path is considered good luck. We are never one to turn down a bit of extra luck!
It is through our own prints and UK-based superstitions that we have become increasingly curious to learn more about the history of the black cat in art. Some say black cats bring bad luck, but in the world of art, these sleek felines have frequently brought good fortune. Black cats have graced the canvases of countless masterpieces, capturing the hearts of artists and art enthusiasts alike. So, grab a cup of tea and join us on this quick round-up of the black cat's journey through time and artistry.
So where do we start...
The earliest known depictions of black cats in art can be traced back to ancient Egypt. Cats, in general, were highly regarded by the ancient Egyptians, who believed they possessed magical and protective powers. These feline-loving folks worshipped cats as deities, and black cats were considered especially sacred. They believed that the goddess Bastet, who was depicted with the head of a cat, protected their homes from evil spirits and brought good health. Many ancient Egyptian artworks depict black cats in various poses, often with gold jewellery around their necks. These regal-looking felines were highly prized and well-cared for, with many being mummified and buried with their owners.
Moving on to ancient Greece, black cats were also highly revered. The goddess Artemis, who was associated with the moon and hunting, was often depicted with a black cat by her side. These cats were seen as symbols of power and good luck, and it was believed that they could ward off evil spirits. In fact, many Greek soldiers took black cats with them into battle for protection.
It wasn't just the Egyptians and Greeks who were taken with black cats, however. In medieval Europe, black cats were also highly regarded for their supposed mystical properties. It was believed that these cats were witches' familiars, or companions and that they possessed the ability to protect their owners from evil spirits. Unfortunately, this association with witchcraft and magic would ultimately lead to the persecution of black cats and their owners during the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries. Sadly, not a great time for our beloved black cat.
Some saints, intellectuals and artists during this time, fortunately, felt very differently and still revered the cat. Many cats are frequently illustrated in the religious manuscript crafted by Celtic monks called The Book of Kells and also in the margins of the Lindisfarne Gospels for example. The cats are shown prowling, sitting, and playing rather than depicted as evil. It is hard to tell however whether these cats are black or not.
As we move into the Renaissance, black cats still struggled to regain some of their former glory. Other cats however were starting to become exceptionally popular. Cats were appearing in the works of many famous artists, including Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci who drew many studies of cats, and German artists Albrecht Dürer and Henrick Golthius. Golthius created works such as “The Fall of Man” which portrays Adam and Eve as unconcerned about their actions. A cat takes pride in place in the forefront and is said to symbolise lust and desire.
Next came the Baroque period which started to spread across Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries and saw an explosion of cat-related art, with many painters and sculptors incorporating felines into their works. One notable example of a black cat, in particular, is by the French artist Jean-Baptiste Oudry, who was known for his realistic depictions of animals. His painting “The Cat and the Monkey” depicts the fable of the Monkey and the Cat, adapted by Jean de la Fontaine, and which began to appear in versions of Aesop's Fables from the 17th century. The moral of this fable is that the flatterer always seeks some benefit at your expense. In the story, the hungry black cat and monkey want to get the roasted chestnuts from the hearth. The monkey claims the cat would be much better at doing this than him, but each time the cat manages to get one out of the fire, the monkey eats them for himself, with the cat severely singing her paw in the process. Sadly, the black cat in this case is duped by the monkey.
As we begin the 19th century, black cats really started to increase in popularity as a subject for artists. One notable example is the French painter Édouard Manet, who painted a series of portraits featuring his beloved black cat, Zizi. In 1880, he even created a homely portrait of his wife, titled ‘Woman with a Cat’. In this painting, Zizi is resting calmly on her lap.
Here in Britain, an extremely notable cat artist who was inspired by black cats (actually any cat!) was the British illustrator, Louis Wain. Wain's whimsical depictions of cats, which did include many black cats, were immensely popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His cats were often depicted engaging in human-like activities, such as playing musical instruments or riding bicycles. Louis Wain over time, however, gradually became so obsessed with cats that he even started to mimic some of their behaviours!
Not just in art, but in the 19th century British sailors kept black cats on ships as they believed it would bring them luck. Fisherman's wives kept black cats too while their husbands went away to sea, believing that this would ensure their husband’s safe return.
Over in Japan, black cats have always been seen as symbols of good luck and fortune. The Japanese word for "black cat" is "kuro neko", and they are often depicted in traditional Japanese art and folklore and through to modern-day art and media.
The Japanese Lucky Cat which is more traditionally known as Maneki Neko which translated means the beckoning cat is a famous cat all over the world. According to ancient Japanese folklore, the cat is a good luck charm for good fortune in business and happiness. Although there are many stories surrounding the true origin of the Lucky Cat, one of the most popular tales of all is the legend of the Gotokuji Temple. This story is about the local priest who looked after Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo who, despite his poverty, would share his food with his cat. One day, a man who was said to have been a samurai took shelter under one of the temple’s nearby trees. The man saw the cat who was beckoning him to come into the temple. As he approached the cat, a bolt of lightning struck the tree he was under, causing it to crash down onto the ground where he would have been taking shelter had the cat not signalled him to move. Grateful to the cat the samurai, who turned out to be a very wealthy man, rewarded the temple with funding. Years later when the cat died, a special burial was made in honour of what we know today as the lucky cat. Ornamental cats are now commonly found placed outside houses and shops due to their symbolic nature. Ones with their left hand raised are said to invite customers to the business, while ones with their right hand raised are said to invite prosperity. The different colours of the cats are also significant to what they symbolise: - White invites happiness - Black protects against illness and bad omens - Gold and yellow attract good fortune - Silver invites longevity - Pink is for love - Red is to bring good health. Today many still visit the Gotokuji Temple where the original Maneki Neko is said to have lived. Hundreds of souvenir Japanese lucky cats are put on display outside on racks by people searching for good fortune or in remembrance of their late pet cats.
During the 20th century, black cats certainly were back in favour. “The Black Cat” created by the German artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in 1926 is a notable example showing the black cat as the main subject of the painting. This particular black cat was Kirchner’s own cat, Bobby.
Black cats during this time made their way from fine art into popular culture, particularly in cartoons and comics. One of the most famous black cats of this era is Felix the Cat, who first appeared in the silent film "Feline Follies" in 1919. Felix went on to star in over 150 animated shorts and became a beloved icon of American pop culture.
Another well-known example is Salem, the black cat from the popular television show "Sabrina the Teenage Witch." Salem was portrayed as a snarky and sarcastic sidekick character, often offering humorous commentary on the events unfolding around him.
Black cats were appearing more and more in movies and tv shows from Binx in the movie Hocus Pocus, Isis in Star Trek to Snowball II in the hit TV series The Simpsons. They even appear in various forms too such as the superhero Black Panther in Marvel Comics.
These mysterious but majestic cats are also often featured in pop art and street art, adding a touch of whimsy and mystery to the urban landscape. And of course, black cats are a favourite subject of cat lovers everywhere, who enjoy capturing their feline friends in paintings, drawings, and photographs.
Today, the black cat is still often associated with Halloween, witchcraft, and superstition. However, there has been a continual growing movement over the years to challenge these stereotypes and promote black cats as lovable pets. Animal shelters have even held events to promote the adoption of black cats, as they are sometimes passed over due to superstitions.
Overall, while there are still some negative associations with black cats in some countries’ popular culture, there is also a growing effort to reframe their image and celebrate them as beloved pets and symbols of mystery, luck, and power. In some countries, the black cat has always been king and has never wavered away from a strong positive influence.
In conclusion, the history of black cats in art is a long and varied one, full of twists and turns. From their revered status in ancient Egypt to their association with witches in medieval Europe, to their place of luck and mystery in modern pop culture. Black cats have captured the imaginations of artists and art lovers throughout history around the world. So, the next time you see a black cat, remember that they have a rich and fascinating history, and appreciate them for the unique and beautiful creatures that they are.
And we leave you with a gorgeous photo of our black cat, Max!
Heidi & Gus
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