White Cat in a Conservatory - Louis Wain Greeting Card

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A fancy white cat among colorful flowers seems to have a green thumb (or claw?). Louis Wain painted him to appear quite at home in this grand Victorian setting.

English artist Louis Wain (1860–1939) is renowned for his captivating cat illustrations! He embarked on his artistic journey with conventional Victorian-style painting but quickly delved into a unique realm characterized by whimsical and anthropomorphic cat depictions. His foray into the world of feline art commenced when his wife, Emily Marie Richardson, fell ill. He lovingly depicted their cherished black-and-white kitten, Peter, to bring her cheer. Emily encouraged him to share his cat art with the world. By 1890, he had gained widespread acclaim as "The Man Who Drew Cats." His influence was so significant that he was elected president of the National Cat Club and frequently served as a judge at cat competitions! After illustrating countless cats for books, postcards, and advertisements, the end of his life could have taken a sad turn. Hasty business deals left him without substantial royalties for his work. However, when booksellers and artists learned that he was residing in the pauper ward of a mental hospital (where he continued to draw cats, of course), they rallied to raise funds for his care. This heartwarming gesture by the artistic community further solidified his place in the annals of art history as a beloved and enduring figure. Wain's enduring legacy is a testament to his ability to infuse warmth, humor, and a touch of the surreal into cat art.

This product was custom designed and created at our location in Seattle.

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