Banner image by Peter, CC BY 2.0, sourced on Flickr.
If you’ve scrolled through social media recently, you've likely noticed the stealthy encroachment of medieval cats in the meme universe. From their mischievous expressions to their uncanny ability to fit into any situation, medieval cats seem to have transcended time and captivated us with their charm.
But beyond their viral fame lies a deeper question: why did medieval artists choose to include cats in their manuscripts and paintings, and what significance did these depictions hold? In this article, we'll explore the presence of cats in medieval art and uncover the stories they tell about society at the time.
Medieval Manuscripts
The medieval era spanning the 5th to 15th centuries saw the emergence of handwritten texts enriched with painted illustrations, embellished initials, and lively marginalia. It was amid these margins that animals like cats often found their way into artworks, depicted with varying degrees of naturalism and symbolic meaning.
At the same time, the production of religious murals, frescoes, and panel paintings was blossoming within churches and the homes of ruling classes. These artworks also featured figures, compositions, and various representations of the natural world.
The Role of Cats in Medieval Society
Cats were more than just furry companions during this period of societal change. They played a crucial role in protecting food supplies and maintaining health by keeping rodents at bay. This was essential because rodents were prolific carriers of disease and often infested food stores. Cats controlled the rat population, which helped maintain sanitary conditions and prevent the spread of deadly diseases such as the bubonic plague.
Despite their domestication, cats retained an air of independence that set them apart from other household pets, contributing to their mystique. Their nocturnal behavior coupled with their keen senses cloaked them in mystery.
This intriguing duality is vividly reflected in medieval cat paintings. These artworks capture all their multifaceted traits—whether lounging lazily in domestic scenes or peering mischievously from the margins of illuminated manuscripts.
Peter, CC BY 2.0, sourced on Flickr.
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Characteristics of Medieval Cat Paintings
Medieval cat paintings are a curious blend of realism and whimsy. Often found in religious manuscripts, cats can be spotted amidst the holy texts. They were depicted in various settings—sitting by the fireplace, prowling in gardens, or even accompanying the Madonna and child.
The artistic styles of the time were characterized by vibrant colors and detailed line work, which brought these feline figures to life. Their expressive faces and playful poses often add a playful charm to the sacred pages. At the time, artists did not aim to portray cats in an anatomically accurate way – they were typically portrayed with exaggerated features, capturing the essence of the cat’s curious and mischievous nature.
Examples of Medieval Cat Paintings
One of the most enchanting examples of medieval cat art can be found in the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript created by Celtic monks around the 9th century. Here, cats are depicted with wide, expressive eyes and intricate fur patterns, often entwined with elaborate Celtic knots.
Another notable piece is the Queen Mary Psalter, a 14th-century manuscript that includes delightful scenes of cats engaging in human-like activities such as playing a small drum.
Similarly, in a Belgian book of hours—a popular type of medieval prayer book— an image portrays a cat playing a musical instrument. This underscores the affection and regard medieval artists held for cats, integrating them seamlessly into scenes of daily life. Such depictions not only showcase the artistic skill of these artists but also reflect the cultural significance of cats as cherished companions.
Book of Hours, Cat beating cymbal, from a marginal cycle of images of the funeral of Renard the Fox, Walters Manuscript W.102, fol. 78v detail, Walters Art Museum Illuminated Manuscripts, CC0 1.0, sourced on Flickr.
Other Animals in Medieval Manuscripts
In addition to cats, other animals appear in medieval manuscripts. Rabbits, dogs, and birds were among the most frequently depicted. Stranger creatures like griffins, unicorns, and dragons also found their way into the borders and illustrations of these manuscripts.
The presence of pets also signaled the status and lifestyle of the household in medieval society. Dogs, ranging from small lap dogs to hunting breeds, were associated with high society. The ownership of exotic pets, such as monkeys or falcons, was a symbol of great wealth and prestige. Through the inclusion of pets, medieval artists conveyed the social hierarchies and cultural values of their time.
The Evolution of Cat Depictions in Art
Beyond their symbolic significance, the ways artists represented cats over time gives us insight into the evolving technical mastery of painters. Early medieval examples depict highly stylized, almost stick-figure cats. Cats in later Gothic manuscripts are more accurately rendered with emphasis on their anatomy, fur patterning, and characteristic movements like arching spines and delicately placed paws.
By the Renaissance and into the Baroque period, artists portrayed cats with distinctive personalities through subtle details and poses, reflecting the period’s focus on realism. This evolution can be seen in iconic works such as Annibale Carracci's Two Children Teasing a Cat, where cats are painted with remarkable lifelike detail, capturing these beloved creatures with a newfound level of sophistication and emotional depth.
“While cats continued to inspire artists well after the medieval period, they also elicited ambivalent feelings,” says Dr. Barbara Lasic, Faculty, MA Fine and Decorative Art and Design at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
“We owe their rehabilitation as domestic pets and human companions to the 18th-century writer François-Auguste de Paradis de Montcrif, nicknamed the historian of claws by Voltaire, and his eloquent and humorous History of Cats published in 1727.”
Cat Memes Today
This timeless fascination with cats continues in today’s art and culture. Like the unexpected resurgence of Renaissance art through memes, which overlay quippy text over various Renaissance paintings, cat memes are next in line to take over people’s explore pages and Twitter feeds. Just as medieval manuscripts are adorned with cat illustrations, modern digital spaces are now filled with cat memes and viral videos. This enduring love for feline antics shows that, while art styles may change, the whimsical allure of cats remains a constant source of inspiration.
Interested in learning more about art history? Sotheby's Institute offers learning options from online courses to in-person short courses.