【Book Description】
Cat is a playful and imaginative visual journey that explores humanity’s enduring relationship with the domestic cat through the lenses of art and popular culture. As one of our most beloved animal companions, cats have long shared our daily lives while continually inspiring artistic creation and cultural imagination.
From sacred worship statuettes in ancient Egypt to anthropomorphic illustrations in Victorian England, cats have appeared throughout the visual history of human civilization. In contemporary times, they span fine art, fashion runways, and social media memes, becoming one of the most instantly recognizable figures in global culture.
Featuring more than 210 full-page illustrations, this book artfully juxtaposes feline imagery from different eras and cultural contexts. Its rich visual range includes celebrated artworks, vintage advertisements, classic animations, high-end fashion designs, and contemporary creations—ranging from maneki-neko lucky cats and artists’ pets to ancient mosaics and modern haute couture—revealing the many faces of cats across history, art, and popular culture.
The book also highlights iconic pop-culture characters such as Puss in Boots and the Cheshire Cat, while showcasing how renowned artists and creatives have drawn inspiration from cats, including Andy Warhol, Tracey Emin, Judy Chicago, Utagawa Hiroshige, street photographer Jamel Shabazz, and fashion designer Thom Browne. Together, these works demonstrate how cats transcend artistic disciplines to become pivotal creative muses.
Beyond its visual appeal, Cat offers thoughtful reflection. The foreword by Hannah Shaw—also known as Kitten Lady—suggests that empathetically engaging with images of cats deepens our emotional connection to them. An accompanying essay by curator Leïla Jarbouai traces the long-standing symbiotic relationship between humans and cats from an art historical perspective.
With an elegant and irresistible cover depicting a curled-up black cat, Cat is not only a visually rich art book but also a charming meditation on companionship, imagination, and cultural memory—an irresistible volume for cat lovers and for readers interested in art, design, and popular culture.
【Details】
Authors: Phaidon Editors
Contributors: Hannah Shaw; Leïla Jarbouai
Publisher: Phaidon Press
Year: 2026
Size: 27 × 24 cm
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 232 pages