Untitled (two cats boxing) 1948

Editor: This gelatin silver print, "Untitled (two cats boxing)" by Lucian and Mary Brown, is pretty comical. It’s got two cats in a boxing ring, seemingly ready to throw paws! What's your interpretation? Curator: It’s so delightfully absurd! The contrast between the refined medium and the silly subject matter tickles me. Are we laughing at the cats, or at ourselves for projecting human drama onto them? Editor: That's a great question! It's making me think about anthropomorphism. Curator: Exactly! And the staged setting—the ring, the suit in the background—adds to the satire. Maybe it's a purr-ody after all! Editor: I'm never going to look at cats the same way again. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think my cat needs a sparring partner…