Step into the world of 17th-century Flemish art with this wonderfully amusing oil on canvas painting. The scene depicts two men and two women, where two are dressed as aristocrats and the others as servants. They are all gathered around, smiling and amused, as they surround a cat who—unlike the others—appears far less impressed. The cat is bundled like a baby, being fed porridge through a spoon by the woman in red at the centre, creating a delightful and humorous moment captured in time.
A Delightful Flemish Masterpiece
The painting is executed in the “naive” style, which was commonly used in Flemish art of this period. This style, likely intentional, would have been used to amuse the viewer with its simplicity and charming subject matter.
A playful scene full of life and expression, where the human figures engage with each other in jest, while the cat steals the show with its unamused expression.
The painting is unsigned, leaving the artist's identity a mystery, but it remains an intriguing piece of Flemish art history.
Provenance:
The painting bears a Christie’s label on the back and has been part of their auctions in the past.
A similar work by the same school was sold at Christie’s for £4,375 on 26 February 2015 (see Christie’s auction).
Condition:
The painting is undamaged, with all elements clearly visible.
While we cannot confirm if it has been relined, this is typical for paintings of this age, and the piece remains in good condition.
The gesso frame has some chips, but it’s still hangable and presents beautifully.
Dimensions:
Painting size: 17¾ x 22 5/8 in. (45 x 57.5 cm).
Frame size: 20.5 x 25.25 inches (52 x 64.5 cm).
Why This Painting is Special:
Humorous Subject Matter: The lively, whimsical scene of a cat being fed like a baby provides both amusement and charm, making it a unique conversation piece.
Flemish School Legacy: A delightful example of the Flemish master tradition, showcasing the period’s playful and naive style.
Art Market Provenance: Backed by auction history with Christie’s, adding authenticity and value to the piece.
This 17th-century Flemish School oil painting is a rare find, bringing together humour, history, and artistry. A perfect addition for those who appreciate Flemish art or simply enjoy the lighter side of antique painting.
