Black Cat on Blue and Pink 

Gwen John rendered this black cat in watercolor, likely in the late 1910s to early 1920s. The black cat, a symbol laden with superstition, rests here against a backdrop of soft pink and blue. The cat, often associated with darkness and the occult, has a rich, if contradictory, history. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered, embodying grace and mystery. Yet, as we move through time, especially into the medieval period, the cat, particularly the black cat, became associated with witchcraft and ill fortune. One can find its likeness in Goya's etchings or Manet's paintings, where the animal emerges as an emblem of the uncanny. Here, though, the cat seems to transcend its darker connotations. The delicate washes of color create a sense of calm, almost domesticating the symbol. Still, the shadow of the cat behind it hints at the lingering, subconscious associations. The image resonates because of its ability to tap into our collective memory, illustrating how symbols evolve and persist, carrying layers of meaning across generations.