Martin Leman's Cats

by Robin Dutt, Roy Strong (Foreword)

Wild or domesticated, fierce or playful, cats have fascinated humans since antiquity. This obsession is reflected in the key roles cats have played in countless cultures. Ancient Egyptians elevated their cats to gods whilst others have vilified them as witches’ familiars or omens of bad luck. Martin Leman’s paintings of cats capture the many characteristics that have inspired such extreme reactions throughout history. His cats are free spirited, comforting, agile, fiercely loyal and absurdly adventurous. For over thirty years Leman has been painting cats in a bold and colorful style which has enticed and delighted cat lovers around the world. This beautifully illustrated book reveals the breathtaking diversity of Leman’s paintings. From the classic to the comic, the humorous to the impossible, Leman’s art is as varied as the creatures themselves.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004