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Louis Wain’s cryptic cats

Once famous for his quirky cat illustrations, today Louis Wain is often portrayed as a ‘psychotic’ artist whose illness can be mapped out through his drawings. Here Bryony Benge-Abbott takes a more rounded view.

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  • A profile evaluated by Lavater as harsh and displeasing, yet with traces of wit in the eyes. Drawing, c. 1789.
  • A man whose face expresses (according to the study of physiognomy) austerity blended with wit and rhetorical powers. Engraving by Barlow, 19th century.
  • A man whose physiognomy expresses, according to Lavater, openness of mind, taste, a happy memory, and wit. Drawing, c. 1789.
  • A wife, her physiognomy expressing good temper and humour according to Lavater. Drawing, c. 1789.
  • Prodexin : good living, a series of drawings by the Cruikshanks.
  • Prodexin : good living, a series of drawings by the Cruikshanks.
  • Prodexin : good living, a series of drawings by the Cruikshanks.
  • Prodexin : good living, a series of drawings by the Cruikshanks.
  • Three anatomical dissections taking place in an attic. Coloured lithograph by T. C. Wilson after a pen and wash drawing by T. Rowlandson.
  • Three anatomical dissections taking place in an attic. Coloured lithograph by T. C. Wilson after a pen and wash drawing by T. Rowlandson.
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