Three Cats 1913

Franz Marc painted "Three Cats" using oil on canvas. Marc was at the forefront of German Expressionism, a movement grappling with industrialization and its emotional toll. Here we see how Marc uses vibrant, non-naturalistic colours. What does it mean that the animal world becomes his primary subject matter? Marc once wrote about his artistic aims, stating, "I am trying to deepen my sensibility for the organic rhythm of all things." He sought to convey a sense of unity between humans and nature, a theme that resonates deeply in a time of alienation. Consider the emotional intensity of the colours. Do they speak to a sense of harmony or discord? Marc's choice to depict animals, specifically these cats, encourages us to consider our relationship to the natural world. Perhaps it serves as a mirror, reflecting our own search for balance within a rapidly changing world.