Unknown Artist
Today we present a page from a special book. This late 15th-century manuscript is one of the earliest surviving examples from a small group of illustrated compilations of proverbs. Each drawing and accompanying verse refers to a commonly known proverb or turn of phrase. The verse does not typically include the phrase, so the combination of image and text is like a riddle that would bring the saying to mind (the proverbs are used in this catalog record as the titles of the images). The proverbs can be both entertaining and moralizing, and they frequently refer to religious life, farming and trades, and acceptable (or unacceptable) behavior. This manuscript originally contained more entries, but several leaves were detached at some point or not included when the book was rebound.
The page we present today shows a proverb: “Such a cat is not to be caught without mittens.” We see a man cautiously approach a cat, whose smug face and sharp claws suggest a battle of wills is about to take place. The image, which captures the experience of anyone who has tried to grab an unwilling cat, is effective in conveying its message that some things cannot be achieved without a struggle.
We present today's masterpiece thanks to the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, which is celebrating the feline friends with the paws-itively adorable exhibition. Paws on Parchment. :)
P.S. From cats to crocodiles and hedgehogs—the variety of animals hiding in medieval manuscripts is enormous! Celebrate these charming creatures with our Animals 50 Postcards Set—50 delightful artworks featuring the wild, whimsical, and wonderful from across art history. Perfect for sending a smile or keeping as a collection!