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Puss at the Play - Tragedy and Comedy
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Puss at the Play - Tragedy and Comedy
A group of cats in a box at the theatre. Wains rendering of cats in human situations and poses gained him widespread popularity around the turn of the 20th century. Sadly his growing obsession with cats turned to insanity and he died penniless in a mental asylum in 1939
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Media ID 4369712
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10217206
1887 Cats Humans Puss Rendering Tragedy Wain
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Puss at the Play - Tragedy and Comedy
EDITORS COMMENTS
is an enchanting illustration by the renowned British artist, Louis Wain, depicting a group of cats engaged in a theatrical performance. The image, created in 1887, showcases Wain's distinctive rendering style that gained him widespread popularity around the turn of the 20th century. The cats are seen seated in a wooden box, reminiscent of a theatre stage, with one cat donning a tragic mask, and another holding a comedic one. Wain's unique ability to anthropomorphize cats and place them in human situations and poses was both innovative and captivating. His whimsical illustrations brought joy and wonder to many, and this particular piece highlights the cats' playful exploration of the arts. However, the story of Louis Wain is not without its tragic elements. Though his work was celebrated during his lifetime, his deep fascination with cats eventually led him to a darker path. As he grew older, his obsession intensified, and he began to believe that cats were messengers from the gods. His behavior became increasingly erratic, and he was eventually admitted to a mental asylum in 1939, where he spent the remainder of his days. Despite the sad ending to Wain's life, his legacy as an artist lives on. This illustration, "Puss at the Play: Tragedy and Comedy," serves as a testament to his remarkable talent and the enduring appeal of his feline creations. This historical illustration is available for licensing through Mary Evans Picture Library.
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