While researching on the net for information on some cute kitten prints I picked up a while back at an estate sale, I came across the blog post about something we are all familiar with. We may not be familiar with the actual name for this phenomenon, so I thought I would share a bit about this not-so-new style of art and photography.
Cats Wearing Hats - available in my Etsy store
CraveCute now!
It's called anthropomorphism, or in simpler terms, animals dressed or acting like people. I found this fabulous
blog post about the history of this strange but utterly cute art form. We owe much of this fun form of art to illustrator Louis Wain (1860-1939) and photographer Harry Frees (1879-1953).
Louis Wain
Apparently these type of pictures gained popularity when an American photographer named Harry Whittier Frees began using his own pets and the neighbors to created some silly and adorable pictures of cats and other animals which were used in postcards and children's books.
Harry W. Frees
The story goes that Frees was celebrating a birthday dinner with friends and there was a paper hat involved. Each member of the dinner party took turns wearing the paper hat as it was passed around the table. When it got to the cat, the hat was placed on his head and he sat dutifully while Frees grabbed his camera and started taking pictures. The silly cat photo has been with us ever since!
One of my all time favorite books from my childhood came to mind when I started writing this post. I had to go digging through my bookcase and I found it. The book is called Captain Kitty, written by Godfrey Lynn and illustrated by Elizabeth Webbe.
Captain Kitty looking sharp in his nautical attire.
Captain Kitty with his adorable family!
Queen Kitty looks quite regal in her pearls!
As Captain Kitty said, "We've really had a lovely time. Alas, it's time to go!"
See you next time! ~~ Diane