The White Cat

In some circles (of cat lovers), Saturday is widely known as ... Caturday. Who was better at painting cats than Franz Marc?

The work we present today features a sleek white cat nestled against a background of deep, dynamic blues and greens. The cat’s figure is fluid and stylized, blending harmoniously into the surrounding landscape, giving a sense of interconnectedness between the animal and nature. Marc’s use of intense color serves as an emotional expression rather than a realistic portrayal, with the white of the cat standing in stark contrast to the vivid surroundings, symbolizing purity and tranquility amidst the wild energy of the natural world.

Marc, a key figure of the German Expressionist movement, was known for his deep connection to animals, often using them as subjects to express a spiritual bond with nature. He was drafted to serve in the German Army at the beginning of World War I, and died two years later at the Battle of Verdun. In the 1930s, the Nazis named him a degenerate artist as part of their suppression of Modern art.

P.S. How big of a cat lover are you? Test yourself in this QUIZ for cat lovers! But be aware, the quiz is not easy! For more cats in art, see the articles below.

P.P.S. One hint for this quiz you can find in a famous Japanese cat print, which we are selling in our DailyArt Shop; go ahead and check it out!  :)