Phaidon

Cat

A whimsical visual survey of the house cat in art and popular culture, exploring humanity’s enduring connection to one of our most loved animal companions Cats have been beloved and depicted by humans for millennia. These captivating animals appeared as worship statuettes in ancient Egypt, in anthropomorphic illustrations in Victorian England, and, today, in contemporary artwork, on fashion runways, and as social media memes. Cat celebrates how our feline friends have been depicted in art, popular culture, and history across time and around the world. This vibrantly illustrated book features more than 210 full-page images artfully arranged into playful pairings. Filled with famous artworks, vintage advertisements, classic animations, high-end fashion designs, and more, the book presents a stunning array of imagery, from maneki-neko lucky cats to artists’ pets, and ancient mosaics to contemporary couture. Readers will find iconic pop-culture characters, including Puss in Boots, the Cheshire Cat, and more; renowned artists, such as Andy Warhol, Tracey Emin, Judy Chicago, and Utagawa Hiroshige; and famed creatives, including street-style photographer Jamel Shabazz and fashion designer Thom Browne. Balancing style with substance, the book includes a foreword by Hannah Shaw, also known as Kitten Lady, who declares that celebrating the cat in images empathetically connects us to this beloved animal, and an enlightening essay by curator Leila Jarbouai, who traces humanity’s symbiotic relationship with cats through the lens of art history. Featuring an elegant and irresistible cover design depicting a curled-up black cat, this charming volume revels in the undeniable appeal of this captivating animal.

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