5 Women Artists Who Specialized in Cat Paintings—The Evolution of Cat Portraiture

The history of cat portraiture dates back to ancient civilizations, where cats were revered for their association with deities and their symbolic ties to home, fertility, and protection. Often depicted as nurturing mothers, they became enduring symbols of domesticity.

Over time, as this symbolism persisted, cats frequently appeared in artworks alongside women and children, particularly in domestic scenes. Female painters, such as Judith Leyster, initially portrayed cats as secondary elements in their compositions. However, as pet ownership became more common, particularly among the bourgeois class, cats transitioned from supporting figures to the primary subjects of paintings. Their presence in art reflected not only affection for them as domestic companions but also their rising status within households. Eventually, their role in art expanded, emphasizing their growing presence as beloved household companions.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, including pets in portraits became fashionable across Europe. At the same time, while cats symbolized fidelity and domestic comfort, they also carried a touch of mischievous irreverence. This dual symbolism persisted, a lingering echo of their historical association with superstition, witchcraft, and even the devil in earlier centuries.

Explore five pioneering women artists who specialized in feline portraiture, from Marguerite Gérard’s mischievous kittens to Elizabeth Blackadder’s introspective cats.

1. Marguerite Gérard (1761–1837)

Given her connection to her brother-in-law Fragonard, it’s no wonder why Marguerite Gérard became interested in art (and “under his eyes” became a skilled and successful painter). In fact, she was acclaimed as a gifted genre painter (one of the first French women)—but what’s important for cat lovers is that she often incorporated cats into her paintings. This made her one of the earlier female artists who focused on felines in art and helped her gain financial independence through her work.
Her paintings show wealthy women lounging with their cats or young girls playing with kittens The animals in her paintings symbolize femininity, playfulness, or mischief.

2. Henriëtte Ronner-Knip (1821–1909)

If you’re familiar with DailyArt Magazine, you have heard this name multiple times. Recognized internationally, Dutch-Belgian artist Henriëtte Ronner-Knip is widely known for her romantic, adorable portraits of cats and kittens in their bourgeois homes.

Ronner-Knip grew up in an artist’s family and received art education from her father. By 1835 her official career as a painter started (and was quite impressive)—during her career she participated in the Exhibition of Living Masters and exhibited at the Chicago World’s Fair. Furthermore, she was the first woman accepted as a member of the Arti et Amicitiae (artists’ society in Amsterdam). With her husband, working as her manager, she continued to specialize in cats’ paintings.
She also had many cat models roaming in her studio.

3. Agnes Augusta Talboys (1863–1941)

Persian cat lovers need to get to know our next artist, who painted in the tradition of Henriëtte Ronner-Knip. Her work reflects the Victorian and Edwardian eras’ fascination with pet portraiture. It is believed that she received an art education in Brighton, and she certainly excelled at capturing the textures of fur and the expressive personalities of her feline subjects.
And she was truly obsessed with Persian cats!

4. Marie Yvonne Laur (1879–1943)

Let’s go back to Paris, where Marie Yvonne Laur was born and gained recognition through her cat portraits. She showcased her work at the Salon des Artistes Français and became its member in 1908. The public appreciated her detailed and charming paintings of cats. Now her works continue to be admired by art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

Laur’s style reflects a blend of academic realism—visible in the details, particularly in the rendering of fur, eyes, and whiskers; and impressionistic influences (such as soft, blended brushstrokes), which give her works a gentle, lifelike quality, capturing both the physical details and playful personalities of her feline subjects.

5. Elizabeth Blackadder (1931–2001)

Undoubtedly, Elizabeth Blackadder had a remarkable career. Throughout her prolific journey, Blackadder received numerous accolades, including being the first woman elected to both of Britain’s most prestigious art academies—the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Academy in London.

She traveled widely to Europe, America, and Japan, where she had the opportunity to study classical and Byzantine art, as well as the techniques used by Japanese printmakers. The experience gained during artistic travels resulted in the development of her style—characterized by delicate lines, subtle color palettes, and a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western artistic influences. Indeed, her cat compositions often feature flattened perspectives, allowing viewers to appreciate the intricate details of her subjects without the distraction of a three-dimensional background.

And of course, she was a devoted cat lover and had multiple cats throughout her life. Her pets often became the subjects of her paintings—her paintings capture the grace, elegance, and unique personalities of the felines. Like Fred, who appeared in several of her works.

The portrayal of cats in art has evolved from symbolic representations to intimate, individualized depictions, reflecting the deepening bond between humans and their feline companions. Over time, cats have moved from mere symbols of domesticity to celebrated subjects in their own right, highlighting their unique personalities and significant place in our lives.

Which cat artist is your favorite?