The Little Cat of Van Gogh and Gauguin: A Feline Friendship
Paul Gauguin’s painting, “The Little Cat,” is now on display at Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum after being hidden away in a private collection for over a century. Painted while Gauguin was staying with Van Gogh in the Yellow House in Arles, this charming work depicts a cat that made appearances in Gauguin’s other artworks, such as “Tropical Conversation” and “Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?”
Gauguin’s cat reappears in different poses in his various paintings, showcasing the feline’s journey as a consistent motif in his work. “The Little Cat” itself is a fragment of a larger still life that Gauguin cut down, possibly inspired by Van Gogh’s earlier work featuring pumpkins and apples. The use of jute as a painting surface in both “The Little Cat” and “Portrait of Paul Gauguin” suggests a connection between the two pieces.
Acquired by French collector Gustave Fayet in 1906, “The Little Cat” has remained in the same family since, a unique occurrence in the art world. Inspired by Japanese prints, Gauguin’s portrayal of the cat reflects the influence of Japanese art on his work. The abrupt cropping of the cat’s tail in “The Little Cat” mirrors the style seen in Japanese prints, adding to the painting’s unique charm.
Now on loan to the Van Gogh Museum, “The Little Cat” will undergo further research to uncover more about its creation. Displayed alongside other works from Gauguin and Van Gogh’s time together at the Yellow House, this painting offers a glimpse into the artists’ creative collaboration during a tumultuous period in their lives.
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Naz Baydar graduated from Middle East Technical University with a degree in Product Design. She furthered her education by completing a master’s degree in Art Direction at Elisava in Barcelona. Her work blends art direction, multimedia narratives, and design to craft innovative and transformative experiences. Naz is passionate about creating visual stories that evoke strong emotions and deliver meaningful impact. In addition to her work, she has a deep interest in philosophy and literature, which continuously inspire and enrich her creative process.