Ready For High Tea 

Lucia Heffernan painted "Ready For High Tea", depicting a squirrel adorned in human finery. The pearl necklace, a symbol of status and purity, is juxtaposed with the squirrel, an animal associated with hoarding and instinct. The hat, reminiscent of the old bourgeoisie, further amplifies this humorous contrast. Animals dressed as humans appear across different eras. Consider medieval bestiaries, where animals embody human vices and virtues. The psychological power here lies in the uncanny: we recognize human traits in the animal, prompting reflection on our own nature. It’s a mirror reflecting our vanities and aspirations. This motif has persisted, resurfacing in children's literature, political cartoons, and even advertising. The image plays on our fascination with the animal kingdom and our tendency to anthropomorphize. This resonates with our collective memory, and perhaps, a subconscious recognition of our own animal nature beneath the veneer of civilization.