Cat on a Cushion c. mid 19th century

John Crookshanks King sculpted this marble cat on a cushion in the 19th century, a time when the burgeoning middle class increasingly sought to emulate the lifestyles of the aristocracy. Sculptures like this reflect the Victorian era's fascination with domesticity, sentimentality, and, of course, pets. The cat, typically associated with independence, is here domesticated, comfortably reclining on an ornate cushion. This speaks to the Victorian ideal of taming nature and bringing it within the confines of the home, mirroring the control exerted over the natural world through industrialization and urbanization. The sculpture itself, rendered in marble, elevates a common domestic animal to the realm of fine art, blurring the lines between high and low culture. Understanding the social context helps us appreciate the layers of meaning embedded in what might initially seem like a simple depiction of a cat. We can delve into Victorian periodicals, conduct historical analysis of pet ownership, and explore the role of animals in art to better understand the cultural significance of this piece.