dreamers

thanks wikimedia commons (PD)

Is this only a sentimental watercolor of a shoeshine boy?  Yes and no.  "Dreamers" (c. 1899) was painted by the British-American genre artist John George Brown (1831-1913), who made a career from these pieces.  According to the Wikipedia article about him he once said: "I do not paint poor boys solely because the public likes such pictures and pays me for them, but because I love the boys myself, for I, too, was once a poor lad like them."  By the time he was saying this, he'd married the daughter of a factory owner and was supported by his father-in-law.  Still, you can't fault him for trying to bring their aesthetically cleaned-up plight before the eyes of a larger public.  I fastened upon this piece today not because it's an amazing work (it isn't) but because I responded strongly to the inclusion of the dog; both creatures look hopeful, wistful, dreaming of something better.  Whatever that might be in the case of a dog, it doesn't matter.  It only matters to know that the dog can yearn, too.

dramatic cat rescue (not really) starring the kat von d

The Kat: oh boy I'm going to run around and around

Curator:  Stop it

The Kat:  I'm free and you can't stop me

Curator: wait

The Kat:  here I go up this big lilac...wayyy up this big lilac...

The Kat:  ...wait....

The Kat:  HELLLLLPPPPP

(Curator climbs up there and gets the little monkey, with a big bandaid to show for her bravery.)

elizabeth in the morning

from a vintage schoolbook....

"Purring and sleeping and loving all day, 

Cat and the kitty-cats passed time away; 

Cat was the luckiest mother, and how 

She told all the world in a glad " Mee-ow." "

 - "The Cat Family," The American Teacher (New-England Publishing Company, 1891), vol. 8, p. 188.

some friday fun: v.i.dogs

I found this over at one of my favorite blogs, Strange Company.  It's a HuffingtonPost article on "20 Ridiculously Accomplished Dogs..." and while we've seen some of them here at the Museum (Sgt. Stubby, anyone?), there are many we have not.  (Jim the Wonder Dog? New to me.)

desdemona will prefer waiting for the roasts

The Irish writer and generally colorful personage Sydney, Lady Morgan  (1783-1859) includes this story in her 1829 collection Book of the Boudoir.  Among its musings and essays I found this story of a visit to a highly placed Italian friend and his choice of fine dinner company.  I think "Angola" cats must be what Angora cats were called at the time.
* * *

. . . I have observed, that all domestic animals are more amiable and intelligent on the continent, than with us: it may be they are better treated; for nothing tames like kindness. The fine breed of Angola cats, so common in the South of Italy, is a proof of the assertion; they are much caressed and attended to, and are as intelligent and as attachable as dogs. The first day we had the honour of dining at the palace of the Archbishop of Taranto, at Naples, he said to me, "You must pardon my passion for cats (la mia passione gattesca), but I never exclude them from my dining-room, and you will find they make excellent company."

Between the first and second course, the door opened, and several enormously large and beautiful cats were introduced, by the names of Pantalone, Desdemona, Otello, and other dramatic cognomina. They took their places on chairs near the table, and were as silent, as quiet, as motionless and as well behaved, as the most bon-ton (high-class - curator) table in London could require. On the bishop requesting one of the chaplains to help the Signora Desdemona to something, the butler stept up to his lordship and observed, " Desdemona will prefer waiting for the roasts." After dinner they were sent to walk on the terrace, and I had the honour of assisting at their coucher (going to bed - curator)for which a number of comfortable cushions were prepared in the bishop's dressing-room.

-- Morgan, L. 1783-1859. (1829). The book of the boudoir. New ed. London: H. Colburn: Vol 2, pp. 39-40

ship cat

image and detail copyright and by kindest permission of the artist

No, not a ship's cat, a ship cat, as created in this delightful print by Spanish artist Carlos C. Lainez.  Here's a detail:

I loved the sensitive, curious, calm look on the cat's face.  (I was also reminded of what must be the classic cat-as-transport: Totoro's jolly Catbus, anyone?)  What also engaged me was the flawless sense of belonging.  None of the little boats are panicking; no one seems to find it odd that a giant kitty-liner is sailing by.
Though I found this on Carlos's Etsy shop, I noticed that this piece is included in a book called Tales of Cats.  I don't read Spanish, but I did do a search on his blog and I think I have found more about this.  Or perhaps it's another book?  I'd love to know. (Edit: Carlos offered me this link to help!)

a rabbit leaps into its own world

thanks wikipaintings.org. image in public domain

Amadeo de Souza Cardoso painted "The Leap of the Rabbit" in 1911.  Cardoso only had seven more years to live (he would die at age 30 in the influenza pandemic of 1918), but he was already on his way to becoming one of the most bold, inventive figures in Portuguese art.  In reading about him I learn that a number of art movements of his time can be seen in his work; I can surely see a vivid expressionism here, and even the beginnings of Cubism (look how hard edged and stylized those forms are).

a clever businessdog

In which a poodle proves a most proactive business partner. . .

A gentleman who had occasion, when in Paris,  to pass one of the bridges across the Seine, had his boots, which had been previously well-polished, dirtied by a poodle-dog rubbing against them. He, in consequence, went to the man who was stationed in the bridge, and had them cleaned. The same circumstance having occurred more than once, his curiosity was excited, and he watched the dog. He saw him roll himself in the mud of the river, and then watch for a person with well-polished boots, against which he contrived to rub himself.
Finding that the shoe-black was the owner of the dog, he taxed him with the artifice; and after a little hesitation, he confessed that he had taught the dog the trick in order to procure customers for himself. The gentleman being much struck with the dog's sagacity, purchased him at a high price, and took him to England. He kept him tied up in London some time, and then released him. The dog remained with him a day or two, and then made his escape. A fortnight afterward he was found with his former master, pursuing his old trade on the bridge.

-- from Kiggins & Kellogg. Sagacity and fidelity of the dog: illustrated by interesting anecdotes. New York: Kiggins and Kellogg, 123 & 125 William St.pp. 23-24

some sun in the garden

thanks wikipaintings.org. PD

Somewhere around 1880, Mary Cassatt painted this moment: "Lydia Seated in the Garden with a Dog in her Lap." The colors are so fresh you could think this was a watercolor, but it's an oil.  Lush and relaxing as the garden is, what delights me most is the half-asleep contentment of the dog. Notice the dog is the warm brown heart of the piece - no matter where you look, you cycle back round to that face.

spratt's kitten food "brings kittens on amazingly"

from publication in public domain

From the flyleaf ad pages of  The Cat Manual by Dick Whittington (London: George Newnes, 1902).

a black cat grin-pile

image copyright and by kindest permission of the artist

Rochester NY artist Sara Pulver is the power and joy behind 3crows, her Etsy shop, where pets (and crows) are the order of the day. Here's her "Whimsical Black Cats," and I dare you not to see this and grab your own cat to see if you can make him or her smile.  I count eight grins. Not counting my own.
Over at her shop and also on her webpage you can see the freewheeling and happy world in which Sara's creatures dance, play, and sleep (often leaving the puny humans to curl up at the bed's foot, which isn't all that far removed from standard snooze procedure around here).  Her world is a place where cheer and chillaxing makes everything flow sweetly.  This comes truly, as you can see in this excerpt from her shop statement about the Native American respect for creation that inspires her:
". . .I feel like we've gotten pretty far away from that kind of regard and I guess at the core of my painting happy cats and dogs and whatnots is the hope of inspiring people to care and to take care and also to sort of send a little flag up to the people who get it (hey now!)."

wordless vintage photo wednesday

from the Museum collection

the cat's arabian

thanks wikimedia commons (PD)

A quick post that needs more exploration later:  Here we see the famed horse the Godolphin Arabian (c. 1724-1753), one of the three founders of the modern Thoroughbred horse bloodline - and his faithful friend, Grimalkin.  A funny little print for a magnificent pair.

sinuous siamese from sofie skein

image copyright and by kindest courtesy of the artist

Sofie Skein-Hall's Etsy shop is called "Bonjour Poupette."  Her artist's statement explains it perfectly, so I offer it here:
***
"Bonjour Poupette" could be translated as "Hello Little One" but it means that you are recognized and loved, right now, for all that you are. . .
I began making Poupettes in honor of all things vulnerable and brave at a time in my life when I felt very much alone and afraid. They reminded me to pay attention to the things that made my heart smile and that I was never truly alone, no matter what.

***

Sofie lives and works on the Oregon Coast, and in this wide and grand setting creates little sculptures of an Art Deco-like grace and delicacy.  This takes skill, patience, and a solid ability to translate living forms into the most beautiful lines possible.  Have a look at her Honey Badger (complete with snake!), and here is my own favorite: Ghost Cat.  

madame de sevigne gets a new dog

Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, better known as the Marquise de Sevigne (1626-96) is revered in French literature as one of the great letter-writers.  Remember that in all the centuries when there was no other way to communicate, the skill and wit of a letter was a art to cultivate.  Here's an excerpt of a letter to her daughter in which she admits she's been presented a little dog, and a lovely one at that:

* * *

You are surprised at my having a little dog; the history is this. One day I was calling a little dog that belongs to a lady, who lives at the end of my park; madame de Tarente said, "What! are you fond of dogs? I will send you one of the prettiest creatures that ever was seen." I thanked her, but told her that I had made a resolution never again to indulge myself in a folly of that kind: so the subject was dropped, and I thought no more of it. A few days after, I saw a footman bringing a little dog-house in his arms, decorated with ribbons, and out of this house jumped a little sylphlike dog, all perfumed, of uncommon beauty, with fine large ears, breath as sweet as a rose, and a coat white as snow, and soft as silk. I never was more surprised; I would have returned it, but the servant would not take it back: the poor chamber-maid who had brought it up, was, it seems, ready to die with grief for the loss of it. It is Maria (one of the servants - curator) who is so fond of the little dog; he sleeps in his house, or in Beaulieu's room, and eats nothing but bread. I do not give way to my fondness for it, but it begins to love and make much of me, and I am afraid of yielding at last. This is the history, with which I desire you will not acquaint Marphise (her favorite dog - curator) . . .
Letters of Madame de Sévigné to her daughter and her friends, Volume 3 (London: 1811) p. 225

a cat's view of the world

image copyright and by kindest permission of the artist

In Honolulu artist Linda Bachrach's world, a white picket fence becomes a wall of smiling faces as a cat sits in contemplation.  Her "Cat's Garden" is my TGIF treat to you all today, and at Linda's Etsy shop HawaiiCats you may see more playful smiling faces.  Linda's "about" page states that her passions are cats, art and Japan.  Here's more about how she shares that joy with people:

I have a background in Chinese calligraphy and landscape painting and my inspirations come from the simplicity of Asian art, particularly the art I am exposed to in my travels to Japan.
I paint my cats in a loose, expressive style to capture the attitudes and personalities of these wonderful creatures. Most are imaginative in color and shape with a special mischievous look in their eye. Always happy, these cats bring smiles to the faces of all who see them.

This work certainly brought a smile to my face this morning.  Feeling mellow?  Try a look at her Hot Springs Cats.

byron's lyon

"Lyon, you are no rogue, Lyon," he would say.  Or, "Lyon, thou art an honest fellow, Lyon." And Lyon wasn't going to argue with that, not only because Lord Byron was telling him so, but because Lyon was a dog.
Most people know of Byron's Newfoundland named Boatswain, for whom he wrote one of the greatest of dog epitaphs, but Lyon was the dog of his later days and watched over his master as Byron died in Greece.  Lyon thereupon was taken in by Byron's half-sister Augusta Leigh and lived his days out peacefully.
The Guardian UK has a series of illustrations on Byron's Boatswain and Lyon.  I think Lyon had a strong, sensitive face; I would have loved to have him for my dog.  Do you agree when you see him?  Have a look.

wordless vintage photo wednesday: sock it to me

from the museum collection

fine words on fine greyhounds

I am always tickled to find words of high praise for any dog breed, though I have to say most of what I find in old sources has to do with the greyhound.  They truly are beautiful and elegant animals, and have been thought so for two millenia, as you'll see below:

***

That the greyhound is highly worthy of every attention, care, and consideration, to produce him in the highest state of excellence, I need only quote a short passage from Arrian, to show. "In figure, the most high bred are a prodigy of beauty; their eyes, their hair, their colour, and bodily shape throughout. Such brilliancy of gloss is there about the spotiness of the party coloured, and in those of uniform colour, such glistening over the sameness of tint, as to afford a delightful spectacle to an amateur of coursing; of all dogs whatsoever, the most noble and princely, strong, nimble, swift, and valiant. The most high bred greyhounds have a prominent brow, and look proud. Their tread is light, quick stepping on their toes; and they walk sideways, extending their necks like horses curvetting."

Thomas Thacker, The Courser's Companion (London, 1834), p. 157.  Arrian was a Greek historian and public servant of the 2nd century AD.  Do you know of any similar high words for other breeds?  Want to take a stab at it yourself?  

a dog watches over his girl

thanks wikimedia commons (PD:US)

Sir Hubert von Herkomer (German, settled in Britain; 1849-1914) was no stranger to looking over his shoulder.  His childhood in Bavaria was spent in poverty, and he went to school there no more than a month or two.  What lifted him from that life was his early and undeniable gift for art.  His family moved to England where he entered the South Kensington Schools, and by the time he was 20, he exhibited for the first time at the Royal Academy.  He continued to gain success after success, but then the gathering tensions before WWI made it clear that the English artistic establishment never had accepted him.
This is his 1910 work A Young Girl and Her Dog.  The garden is lush and sweet; the girl is lovely, but unaware.  That's all right.  Her friend is there with her, and nothing will get past him.  Look at his face and tell me differently.

elisabeth adams meets her new kitten

Elisabeth Bruce Adams wrote a memoir of her cat Prospero, who during his life seemed in possession of a particularly wise and deep soul.  Though his untimely loss hit her hard, she believed in the ability of loved ones to reach from the beyond (she may have had Spiritualist leanings; a lot of middle and upper class women did in the late 1910s - early 1920s).  Say what you will, but she wrote with utmost sincerity of her feelings of communion with Prospero's spirit.  I've chosen below to give you a happier selection, describing the day she met her friend for the first time.  I certainly recognize what this feels like and I know you will too...
* * *
“There! What do you think of him?”
Leaning in at the open window was my friend “Una” she whose cottage neighboured mine, and who shared much of life with me.  She was placing upon the sill a little living, yellow ball.  “The woman down the lane has just brought him,” she said, “she knew we wanted a kitten, and her man found this mite right up on the Weald, miles from any house. He put it in his tool-bag and brought it home, and here he is for you !”
“He” stood shaking upon the window-sill,very small and helpless, with long fur somewhat bedraggled, looking from one to the other as though anxious to find out what was expected of him. He commenced forthwith to sing in a loud and very hoarse voice.  Eyes as blue as forget-me-nots looked into mine with a sweet confidence that almost seemed knowledge.
So he stood those first moments, just where he had been put down, singing and trying to raise first one little white paw and then the other, as though marking time. But what colour! What possibilities of rare beauty!  A nobly-shaped head with tiny ears, a little white ruff, and four white fluffy paws. A white waistcoat, and for the rest of him ruddy brown with golden tints and darker sable markings.
“He will have a tail like an ostrich plume when he is grown,” I said, as I took him up.
* * *
-- Adams, Elisabeth Bruce. My Cat Prospêro: a Pioneer Who Bridged the Gulf Between the "seen" and the "unseen". (London: Hutchinson, 1922), pp. 10-11.

a cat's nature

thanks wikimedia commons (PD:US)

We've seen the great Swedish wildlife painter Bruno Liljefors before here at the Museum.  This is his Katt pa fageljakt (Cat goes birdhunting), 1883.  A calm, realistic look at a cat's native impulse, this piece is also lyrical, even sympathetic.  Out of the tangled dry vegetation the cat steps bright-eyed and full of assurance, his prize secure in his jaws, sleek and victorious.  It's what cats do.

a dog tugs, a canary stays put

thanks wikimedia commons {PD-old}

1647: Wybrand de Geest paints this Portrait of a Child with a Dog and a Canary (Aged 4).  Luminous and solemn, the child - I believe by the clothing that this is a boy - stands calmly, pet bird in one hand, handkerchief in another.  It's at the other end of the hanky that we find all the action.  A shaggy small dog with a fine collar has a corner of that hanky and a sharp eye on that bird, and in his figure we find the comedy, the energy, the risk we normally associate with 4-year-olds.  I really find this a charming piece.

audubon's dog goes birding

The great naturalist John James Audubon, of adventuresome spirit and tireless patience, speaks kindly here of aid given by his dog upon a heron-finding escape:
* * *
The young Herons seemed quite unconcerned when a person approached them, although on displaying one's hand to them, they at once endeavoured to strike it with their bill. My Newfoundland dog, a well-trained and most sagacious animal, was whistled for and came up; on which the birds rose partially on their legs, ruffled all their feathers, spread their wings, opened their bills, and clicked their mandibles in great anger, but without attempting to leave the nest. I ordered the dog to go near them, but not to hurt them. They waited until he went within striking distance, when the largest suddenly hit him with its bill, and hung to his nose. Plato, however, took it all in good part, and merely brought the bird towards me, when I seized it by the wings, which made it let go its hold. It walked off as proudly as any of its tribe, and I was delighted to find it possessed of so much courage.

(Get ready for the title. Original spelling retained.) 

John James Audubon, Ornothological Biography, Or, An Account of the Habits of the Birds of the United States of America: Accompanied by Descriptions of the Objects Represented in the Work Entitled, The Birds of America, and Interspersed with Delineations of American Scenery and Manners, Volume 3 (Edinburgh: Adam & Charles Black, 1835), pp. 542-3

two hungarian cat fables

thanks vintageimages.org (PD)

From a volume introducing Hungarian poetry and fables to an English-speaking audience (the Hungarian titles are in parentheses).

* * *
THE CHILD AND THE CAT.
(A GYERMEK ES A MACSEA.)
A Farmer's child was once teazing a cat, by offering her a mouthful of cheese, and then mischievously snatching it away from her. The mouse-catcher after a time slunk away ; but soon sidled back again, unobserved, to her tormentor; when just as he was about to take a fresh piece into his mouth, she, making a dexterous spring, tore it out of the crying child's hand, and then, eagerly snapping it up, ran off with it.
"See, my son," said the father to the weeping lad; "repeated deception teaches others to deceive."

CONDESCENSION OF THE GREAT.
(NAGYOK LEERESZKEDESE.)
A Tom-cat was boasting everywhere, that the lion, whom he had visited during an illness, had received him as a relation.
"And had he no favour to ask of you?" inquired the cunning fox.
"Well, yes," replied Master Tom; " a rat, which had made its way into his den, continually disturbed the invalid's rest, on which account he begged me to put an end to the tormentor."
"I thought as much directly," answered Reynard, "for the condescension of the great is seldom above suspicion, and generally shows that they stand in some need of us."

-- From Hungarian poems and fables for English readers, selected and tr. by E.D. Butler (London: Trubner and Co., 1877) pp. 59-61.

lifelines

Rose and Junior have very little, but share a world of love when they look at each other.
Jynx's only shelter is Jeremy's arms, and he's doing fine.
Sam and Mimi clearly have a lot of well-deserved pride in each other.

These are just  a few of the faces you'll see in this photoessay on the Lifelines Project, which honors the bond between the homeless and their pets.  Want to learn even more?  You can go to their website.

A big shout to Museum friend Loren for sending me this story.

le bichon, 1754

thanks vintageprintable.com.  image believed PD

A quick post this morning brings you this engraving from Georges-Louis Leclerc Buffon's's Collection des animaux quadrupèdes planches coloriées sans texte.