Dive into the wildly inaccurate yet utterly charming world of medieval cat paintings. These historical gems, often depicting felines with human expressions or strange anatomies, weren’t just artistic quirks—they reveal intriguing details about medieval life, perception, and the early roots of our internet cat obsession.
In an era dominated by viral cat videos and endless feline memes, it’s easy to think our obsession with amusing kitties is a modern phenomenon. Yet, a delightful delve into medieval art proves that humanity’s fascination, and sometimes utter bewilderment, with cats dates back centuries. Prepare to giggle as we explore the historically hilarious world of medieval cat paintings, where artists often had no idea what a cat truly looked like.
The Curious Case of Medieval Felines: Why They Look So Off
When scrolling through collections of medieval cat art, the immediate reaction is often laughter. Why do so many of these historical depictions look so strikingly inaccurate? From oddly human-like faces to misshapen bodies, these cats are a far cry from the sleek, elegant creatures we know today. The reasons are multifaceted and offer a fascinating glimpse into the artistic priorities and cultural contexts of the time.
One primary reason is that the main purpose of medieval paintings was often to convey religious narratives to a largely illiterate population. Accuracy in depicting animals or “unnecessary details” was not a high priority. Artists focused on the message, not necessarily the meticulous rendering of a feline’s anatomy. Furthermore, the concept of linear perspective, which gives depth and realism to paintings, wasn’t formalized until the Italian Renaissance. This explains why many medieval animals, including cats, often appear flat and somewhat distorted.
It’s also possible that many artists simply weren’t working from live models or had limited exposure to cats, relying instead on descriptions, memory, or even other, equally inaccurate, depictions. This led to cats being painted with peculiar features, such as human faces, orange tongues, or even appearing like “bread loaves,” as noted in some commentaries. The challenge of capturing the subtle, cute features of a cat often resulted in grim or scary expressions, proving that some things, like the struggle to draw a perfect cat, are truly timeless.
Cats Through the Ages: A Shifting Perception
The depiction of cats in medieval art also reflects their complex and often contradictory status in society during that period. While today they are almost universally adored, their historical reception varied wildly across cultures and timeframes.
Ancient Reverence and European Demonization
Long before the Middle Ages, in ancient civilizations like Egypt, cats were highly revered, even worshipped. However, by the 13th century in much of Christian Europe, their fortunes had drastically reversed. Cats were often seen as pests or, more alarmingly, as symbols of evil. This negative perception was cemented when World History Encyclopedia explains that in 1233, Pope Gregory IX proclaimed that black cats, in particular, were an incarnation of Satan. This led to horrific practices, with black cats being burned alive during festivals, tragically decimating their populations. This historical prejudice continues to impact perceptions even today, as MSJ.edu highlights that black cats are still the least likely to be adopted from rescues.
A Haven in the East and Scholarly Companions
Fortunately, not all parts of the world treated cats so poorly. As HistoryHit reports, the Islamic world embraced cats, viewing them as ritually clean animals and common household pets, sometimes even welcomed into mosques. In Asia, particularly during China’s Song dynasty, cats transitioned from mere mouse catchers to cherished pets, with some breeds even selectively bred for their appearance. In Japan, cats were often considered symbols of good luck.
Even within Europe, a nuanced picture emerges. While widespread condemnation existed, cats found favor in certain circles. Royal families, for instance, sometimes treated their feline companions with immense luxury. Madeleine S. Killacky, PhD, writing for The Conversation, notes that 14th-century French queen Isabeau of Bavaria spent lavishly on her pets, even commissioning a custom bright green cover for her beloved cat. Similarly, medieval scholars often kept cats for company, valuing their presence and even referring to them as “light and dearest companion” in poetry. These historical accounts underscore the enduring bond between humans and cats, a bond that also extends to their proven benefits for mental health.
The Enduring Appeal of ‘Derpy’ Cats
Today, our love for funny animal pictures finds its expression through viral memes, and medieval cat paintings are no exception. Communities like the r/MedievalCats subreddit, with nearly 5,000 members since 2019, are dedicated to celebrating these historical oddities. They offer a treasure trove of images, from royal feline portraits to hilariously awkward cats playing instruments or simply looking utterly bewildered.
The shared experience of finding these paintings delightful highlights a universal truth: we love our cats, even when they’re a bit “derpy.” The range of medieval cat expressions is truly something to behold, often defying expectations of what a cat should look like:
- Human-faced felines: Many paintings feature cats with unsettlingly human-like eyes and expressions.
- Musical maestros: Cats playing lutes or other instruments, often with an air of profound concentration.
- Cartoonish figures: Some look as though they jumped straight from an early animation.
- Exotic and fantastical: Blue cats, spiky cats, or cats with beards grace these ancient canvases.
- Everyday chaos: Cats licking their butts, chasing mice, or simply looking utterly “done with life,” reflecting timeless feline behaviors.
These medieval artists, whether intentionally or not, provided us with a timeless collection of proto-cat memes. They remind us that humor, especially when it comes to our beloved pets, transcends centuries and cultural barriers.
Practical Takeaways for Today’s Cat Lovers
Our journey through medieval cat art isn’t just for laughs; it offers a few heartfelt insights for modern pet enthusiasts:
- Appreciate all art: Whether it’s a masterpiece or an amusing “fail,” art sparks joy and connection across time.
- Give every cat a chance: Remember the unfair historical treatment of black cats, and consider adopting one. They are just as loving and wonderful as any other feline.
- Embrace the “derp”: Our cats, then and now, often give us unexpected moments of humor. Celebrate their quirks and remember that the bond we share with them is truly ancient and enduring.
From the brushstrokes of medieval monks to today’s smartphone cameras, the timeless joy and laughter that cats bring to our lives remain a constant. So next time your cat does something hilariously weird, know that you’re part of a tradition that’s centuries in the making!
