The Pole Cat (Viverra putorius) Possibly 1731 - 1743

Editor: Here we have Mark Catesby's "The Pole Cat," possibly from 1731 to 1743, a watercolor and colored pencil print. It feels very delicate to me, and precise. What strikes you about its composition? Curator: The most prominent formal aspect is its stark linearity. Note how Catesby employs sharp, clean lines to delineate the animal's form. The horizontal stripes contrast with the rounded silhouette of the creature itself and the verticality of the adjacent plant. How might that interaction contribute to the image’s overall dynamic? Editor: I see that. It’s like the stripes almost flatten the polecat, but the pose gives it depth. The plant, too, has strong lines, almost like a frame, competing for our attention. What do you make of the color palette? Curator: Precisely. Regarding color, Catesby favors muted tones – grays, greens, and blues – imparting a subdued quality. Yet, the sharp distinction in value – dark fur against light stripes –creates visual tension. Observe, too, the textural variation achieved through distinct brushwork. Is it accurate to consider it a pure scientific illustration or something more? Editor: Good point. I can almost feel the fur even though it's a print! It's more than just documentation; the artist uses light and shadow to create something visually interesting. Curator: Indeed. He uses visual strategies to draw you in. Did you notice how the pose helps to give volume and three dimensions to the figure? Editor: I did! It really makes the polecat come alive despite being relatively simple. I am paying a lot more attention to these kinds of choices! Curator: Agreed, analyzing those formal elements opens up so much in how the artwork communicates, even something we might see as ‘just’ science.