Thursday, February 23, 2012

Looking at Paintings Cats by Peggy Roalf

Looking at Paintings is a series of books which helps students to understand what great artists see when they paint. This one is all about cats in the art world. Five thousand years ago, the ancient Egyptians worshipped the cat as a god. Ever since that time artists have been fascinated by the mysterious characteristics of this animal.  It is after all a skilled hunter, is fiercely independent, has keen vision and a graceful form, it can be aloof or affectionate. Some artists have depicted  heroic or destructive historical figures through the images of cats. In medieval Europe cats were believed to be demons and hundreds were burnt to death. This book contains paintings by Lorenzo Lotto, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Gauguin, Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, and many more, all depicting cats in one way or another. I found it to be a very interesting and enjoyable read. This book is currently on display in our art area.


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