Meow What? Cats in Prints
From the curious to the comical, the elegant to the mischievous, cats have captivated printmakers for centuries. Artists employed diverse techniques, including engraving, etching, aquatint, and lithography, to capture the character and movement of their feline subjects. These visions of whiskered protagonists reflect changing artistic technologies and styles, but the cats depicted remain timeless: every arch of the back and flick of the tail feels instantly familiar. Works showcase cats as beloved companions, trouble-making rascals, and allegorical symbols.
Together, these prints demonstrate that artists have found endless inspiration in the independent, enigmatic creatures that share our homes and imaginations.
Highlight: Musical Cats
Highlight: So Many Cats
Highlight: Scary Cats
All images displayed in this digital exhibition are Open Access or Open Content.
We’re always grateful for Open Access and Open Content images and to the museums and organizations that make so many of their collection images available for use.