Today’s post is in honor of my kitten, Peabody. I’m feeling uninspired this morning and thought about just posting her picture. She’s a terror, but she’s adorable. But since she has nothing to do with the 18th century, I did a few quick searches and found pictures of 18th century ladies and their cats instead. In this print from 1788, a lady is not being very nice to her poor cat, taunting it with a bird:
Peabody would not stand for that. This lady better watch out for her hat, as her cat is seconds away from gnawing on its ribbons:
Peabody would approve – she enjoys chewing on the bow on her collar. In this charming painting from 1745 by Jean Baptiste Perronneau, the kitten apparently symbolizes “the wildness of nature intruding upon the innocence of childhood:”
I think Peabody and I should have our portrait painted. She could represent the wildness of nature intruding upon my ability to sleep in. Hope you all have a restful weekend, undisturbed by misbehaving pets!
