Woman holding cats (1898) by Edward Penfield. Archival Print on Museum Quality Matte Paper. Premium Wood Framed Wall Art. Original Aspect Ratio

Edward Penfield's "Woman Holding Cats" (1898) is a quintessential example of his mastery in the realm of American illustration, a genre he helped define during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As an art scholar, one must appreciate Penfield's ability to capture the essence of the era's cultural and social dynamics through his work.

Penfield, often hailed as the father of the American poster, was born in 1866 in Brooklyn, New York. He rose to prominence during the Golden Age of American Illustration, a period marked by a burgeoning middle class and an increasing demand for visually captivating advertisements and magazine covers. Penfield's work is characterized by its bold outlines, flat color planes, and an elegant simplicity that reflects the influence of the Art Nouveau movement.

"Woman Holding Cats" exemplifies Penfield's philosophical approach to art: a celebration of modernity and everyday life. The piece portrays a serene woman, elegantly dressed, cradling two cats—an image that conveys both sophistication and domesticity. The subject matter reflects Penfield's interest in the intersection of leisure and lifestyle, a recurring theme in his oeuvre.

Technically, Penfield employed lithography to achieve crisp lines and vibrant colors, a technique that was revolutionary in commercial art. The piece holds significant importance as it encapsulates the transition from Victorian to modern sensibilities in art. Currently, the original artwork is held in private collections, occasionally exhibited in retrospectives that honor Penfield's enduring legacy in the art world.

Artist Name: Edward Penfield

Artwork Name: Woman Holding Cats

Artwork Date: 1898

Artist Nationality: American

Artistic Style or Movement: Art Nouveau

Genre: Illustration

Period: Late 19th Century

Medium: Lithograph

Technique: Lithography

Cultural and Geographic Context: American

late 19th century

Thematic or Conceptual Context: Domesticity and leisure

Artist's Intent and Context: To promote Harper's Magazine and depict modern life

Formal elements and Composition: Balanced composition with emphasis on line and form.

Elevate your space with museum-quality fine art prints. Archival inks, oak or ash frames, sustainable materials. Ready to hang, timeless style.

Bring the elegance of timeless art into your home with this museum-grade wall print, designed for discerning collectors and art lovers alike. More than décor, this print invites moments of reflection and appreciation, transforming your space into a personal gallery.

Each print is crafted to the highest standard:

True-to-life color & detail – Printed with archival, pigment-based inks for exceptional depth and lasting vibrancy.

Premium framing options – Custom-built in natural oak or ash wood with shatterproof plexiglass for durability and elegance.

Gallery-standard materials – Archival-grade, acid-free paper with a glare-free finish.

Sustainable craftsmanship – FSC-certified papers and responsibly sourced wood frames.

Ready to hang – Delivered fully framed and display-ready.

Don’t miss your chance to own a masterpiece that endures across generations.
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