a kitten and its girl look to the future

Franz von Lenbach [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Franz von Lenbach (Bavaria, Germany; 1836 - 1904) painted many of the most famed people of his day, in a Realist style favored in Europe at that time. I don't know if this little girl was famous or high born, but I doubt it. Perhaps the cat was. (Kidding.) Isn't it interesting how sketchy the cat's fur and the child's hands are, but it takes you a minute to notice? At first all you see is how well rendered both the faces are, as they stare off to the side with that mix of wonder and apprehension young creatures often have. Though I must say I don't care for the

overall brown tone to the background, the color does serve to focus attention firmly on the two young ones. This is a warm, affectionate portrait that makes me happy this morning.