From Deities to Decadence: A History of Cats in Art and Advertising

Cats have captivated humans for millennia. Their mysterious nature, independent spirit, and undeniable cuteness have earned them a place not just in our homes, but also in our art and advertising. Let's take a whiskered stroll through history and see how these feline companions have graced our visual culture.

In ancient Egypt, cats were revered as deities. Egyptians depicted them in hieroglyphs, statues (like the famous bronze statue of Bastet from the Late Period), and paintings, often associated with the goddess Bastet, protector of the home and the harvest. These portrayals showcased cats not just as companions, but as powerful symbols. Fast forward centuries, and cats appear in Medieval European art, often with a more negative connotation. Often depicted alongside witches or shown as familiars in works like Hieronymus Bosch's " The Garden of Earthly Delights," they reflected superstitious beliefs about their connection to the dark arts.

The Renaissance ushered in a shift. Cats started appearing in more domestic settings, often curled up on laps or perched on windowsills in portraits. Artists like Michelangelo included a ginger cat in his preparatory drawings for "The School of Athens," adding a touch of whimsy to this iconic scene. Leonardo da Vinci's detailed studies of cats, like his " Studies of Cats and Dogs, " showcased his fascination with feline anatomy.

As the centuries progressed, cats continued to find their way onto canvases. Japanese woodblock prints, like those by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, often featured playful depictions of cats chasing butterflies or batting at dangling balls of yarn. Meanwhile, artists like Édouard Manet captured their elegance and aloofness in realistic paintings such as " Olympia," where a black cat sits nonchalantly at the foot of the nude subject, adding a touch of intrigue to the composition.

The rise of advertising in the 19th and 20th centuries saw a new avenue for cats emerge. Posters and print ads featured cats endorsing everything from milk to laundry detergent. Their inherent appeal, playful nature, and association with comfort made them perfect mascots. Think of the iconic Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland grinning from a bowl of Cheshire Cheese in numerous advertisements throughout the 20th century, or the sleek black panther promoting a brand of cigarettes, a campaign that traded on the feline's association with luxury and mystery. Today, cats continue to dominate the advertising world, appearing in commercials like the endlessly parodied "Keyboard Cat" or online campaigns featuring adorable kittens playing with products. Their undeniable charm remains a powerful marketing tool.

From revered deities to playful companions and savvy product endorsers, cats have left their paw prints on the canvas of history. Their presence in art and advertising reflects not just their changing relationship with humans, but also our enduring fascination with these furry enigmas.