Cats in Medieval Europe were almost always included in religious texts. The medieval cat painting is believed to have been created between 578 and 595 CE and is said to have been a common thread among religious images and texts. This intriguing scene of a dog biting a cat, which bites a mouse is featured in the introduction of a manuscript written by Pope Gregory I and also features in a commentary on the pope’s Book of Job. Gregory the Great (Pope Gregory I or Saint Gregory the Great) (c. Portrait of Cleophea Krieg von Bellikon (1538) by Hans Asper Hans Asper, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsĬat from Book of Job (578 – 595 CE) by Gregory the Great Artist Name The Medieval period was an interesting era that produced some of the funniest-looking Medieval cat paintings one might ever encounter! Below, we have compiled a list of the top 10 most famous Medieval paintings of cats that will give you a glimpse into the world of the Medieval domestic cat. The Top 10 Most Famous Medieval Paintings of CatsĬats were first domesticated in the Middle East more than 10,000 years ago and have since been the source of artistic exploration for many aspiring creatives. In the end, these furry creatures always won over the hearts of people and as such, attracted the attention of some of the era’s most interesting artists. Many people domesticated dogs for protection and to safeguard their homes while others domesticated cats for killing mice. The function of pets in Medieval society was more related to serving a purpose rather than affection. The Medieval period was also a time when hierarchy provided safety for the people and information was very much controlled. The Medieval era is also understood as the Dark Age, which was essentially a period where Europe experienced a loss of power. Portrait of a young lady holding a cat (1525) by Francesco Ubertini called Bacchiacca Francesco Ubertini called Bacchiacca, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons This period can be understood as the trial-and-error period in art history where people were beginning to form an understanding of art as well as an appreciation of it outside of the realm of religious purposes. The Middle Ages are often associated with European civilizations that emerged after the collapse of the Roman Empire and lasted until the 15th century. Art is subjective and more often than not, artists are imperfect too. You may have stumbled across the occasional meme page or Facebook post donning the background image of a funny-looking cat or what some may call a “badly drawn” image of a cat. 3.3 Why Are Cats Included in Religious Medieval Paintings?.3.2 Why Did People Paint Cats in the Medieval Period?.3.1 Why Are Renaissance Paintings of Cats So Humorous?.2.8 Adam and Eve (1504) by Albrecht Dürer.2.7 Animals (1486 – 1506) in Book of Hours Codex.2.5 Miniature of the Annunciation (1406 – 1407) in Book of Hours Codex.2.4 Reynard and Tilbert the Cat (14th Century) in Le Roman de Renart.2.3 Cat and Dog (1392) in the Collection of Halakhical Works.2.1 Cat from Book of Job (578 – 595 CE) by Gregory the Great.2 The Top 10 Most Famous Medieval Paintings of Cats.Do yourself a favour and follow this hashtag on Instagram. Maybe it’s a reference to Cat and the Queen? Image: on InstagramĪlright well, that’s that. Is this Renaissance cat painting happy? Or sad? Are the nails red because it just killed something? And what’s with the red eyes? This is another King of Cats too. Who’s to say? Image: on Instagram Cat Cave Painting Is the white one setting a rat free? Is the black one trying to eat the bird? Or set it free? I personally love how they depicted the dog licking itself as an homage to the age-old battle between cats and dogs. Maybe it’s just me, but these cats seem magnanimous. Human Face.ĭidn’t these painters understand that we are not the same as cats? Don’t they see the difference? With all due respect, are they so used to painting their own kind that cats get human faces? Look at that nose! That is not a cat nose! Or mouth. This particular kitty was captured on one of its worst days ever. I think they actually had really bad days sometimes. Image: on Instagram Worst Day EverĬats in Renaissance paintings had it rough. Image: on Instagram Trojan Horse? Or Cat?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |