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Cats in Art

Cats in Art

by Desmond Morris
Hardback
Publication Date: 01/10/2017

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$59.99

The cat--that most graceful, stubborn, and agile of animals--has long been a favorite subject of artists the world over from prehistory to the modern day.

A spectacular 7,000-year-old engraving in Libya depicts a catfight. Figures modelled by the Babylonians remind us of their belief that the souls of priests were escorted to paradise by a helpful cat. Pablo Picasso was known to have loved cats and famously portrayed them as savage predators. In Victorian times, cats were depicted in loving family groups with mothers caring for their playful kittens. Today, the cat is one of the most popular domestic pets on the planet, and feline art is a hugely popular theme across the world.

 

In his latest eye-catching book, bestselling author Desmond Morris tells the compelling story of cats in art. He explores feline art in its many forms, tracing its history from ancient rock paintings and spectacular Egyptian art to the work of old masters, avant-garde representations, and the depiction of cats in cartoons. Morris discusses the various ways in which artists have approached the subject throughout history, weaving illuminating stories with rarely seen images. The result is a beautifully illustrated book that will delight anyone with a Kitty, Max, or Tigger in their life.
ISBN:
9781780238333
9781780238333
Category:
The arts
Format:
Hardback
Publication Date:
01-10-2017
Language:
English
Publisher:
Reaktion Books, Limited
Country of origin:
United Kingdom
Dimensions (mm):
247.65x190.5x22.86mm
Desmond Morris

Desmond Morris (b. January 24, 1928) is a zoologist and ethnologist, who rose to fame in 1967 when he published The Naked Ape. He earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Birmingham, and then a Ph.D. at Oxford University.

In the 1960s, his TV show Zoo Time for ITV drew a wide audience of British viewers. His work includes that as curator of the mammal section in the London Zoo. His research focuses on animal and human behaviour explained from a sociobiological and zoological point of view.

He has authored many books, and has produced and curated a series of popular science TV programs. Morris is also famous for his painting, significantly contributing to the British Surrealist movement. His first one-man exhibition took place in 1948, and since then he has never stopped showing his art, his work often being compared to that of Miró.

In 1957 he curated an exhibition of paintings and drawings made by chimpanzees at the Institute of Contemporary Art Institute in London. Desmond Morris has always been a great football fan, and was technical director of the Oxford United Football Club from 1977 to 1984. He is still actively involved in broadcasting, painting, and soccer.

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