Zatista The premier source for original art online

Window With Cat by Joan Franklin on zatista.com

Whether you are a cat lover or not, it can’t be denied that domesticated felines have inspired many artists throughout history. These creatures have a whimsical nature, often display aloofness, and have a propensity for solitude. Maybe this explains why artists over the ages have been attracted to cats. Or, maybe they’re just good to look at.

The Master of Cat College by Louis Wain on cartoonworld.org

Some artists have spent their whole careers depicting cats as their main subject matter. The English artist Louis Wain became famous for his large eyed anthropomorphized cats and kittens, standing them upright and dressing them in the clothing of the day.

Julie Manet with Cat by Pierre-Auguste Renoir on wikipedia.org

Henri Matisse and Pierre Renoir were both cat lovers, often depicting them in their paintings. Although, one wonders whether the feline appearances were intentional or whether these cats simply wandered into the frame as the artist painted, stealing attention away from the human subjects.

Book cover by Theophile Steinlen on wikipedia.org

Swiss artist Theophile Steinlen demonstrated his affection for and understanding of cats in sculptures and paintings, including them in many of his posters. To this day, cats are a trademark of his work and of the Art Nouveau style in general.

Ernest Hemingway with cat in Cuba on jfklibrary.org

Nobel Prize recipient and author, Ernest Hemingway, often wrote about cats and surrounded himself with them throughout his life. Up to 50 polydactyl (6-toed) cats still reside in Hemingway’s old Key West home and remain some of the most famous cats in the world.

Cat With Crown by Georganna Lenssen on Zatista.com

But for those of you who prefer something beautiful that doesn’t shed all over the furniture, the next best thing to a real cat is one of the many representations of cats found here on Zatista. Just like the real thing, no two paintings of cats are alike – there’s one to suit every temperament and taste, and they are each waiting for a good home. So, what are you waiting for?

Brian Sylvester is a guest blogger on WallSpin, and an artist on Zatista.

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When you hear the term “animal print” you probably think of something like this:

Kate Moss in Leopard Print Coat

But at the moment I’m talking about something more like this:

William Wegman "No Fun Sleeping Under A Picture Like This+ Pink Elephants" 20x200.com

We all have our photos of Pooch and Kitty on the mantel at home, but animals in art don’t have to be cute.

Catherine Ledner "Camel" catherinesanimals.com

In fact, sometimes it’s more interesting when things get a little… strange. I’m not talking about really strange, I’m talking about a 1/4 tsp. of strange.

Catherine Ledner "Armadillo 1" catherinesanimals.com

Like how beets sometimes taste like dirt or how cilantro can taste like soap. Just strange enough to leave you walking away with a ‘curious’ feeling.

Mr. French Poster Cannibal Kingdom Beaver by Charles S. Anderson Design

Molly Wortham "You'll Be Poison" zatista.com

Susan Grissom "Lady and Her Bird" zatista.com

Of course, it’s all a matter of personal taste. This is just one woman’s opinion and I think it’s refreshing when ‘animal art’ doesn’t hit you over the head with a ton of cute.

Nathan Oliveira "Baboon (Celadon)" Marsha Mateyka Gallery

Besides, you’ve got plenty of opportunity for that in the kids’ rooms!