Currier & Ives
Two Little Fraid Cats
Currier & Ives, New York: 2nd Half 19th Century
Hand-colored lithograph
8.25 x 12.5 inches, image
12 x 15 inches, overall
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Two Little Fraid Cats
Currier & Ives
Currier & Ives
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An amusing scene of two pampered white house cats among cut lilac flowers startled by, and apparently scared of a little house mouse.
The lithography firm of Currier & Ives was founded in 1834 by Nathaniel Currier as N. Currier, Lithographer, and based in New York. In 1852, he brought his brother-in-law, James Merritt Ives, into the business and renamed the firm Currier & Ives five years later. They were extremely prolific and highly successful, producing almost 7,500 different separately issued art prints through the 19th century until 1907, aptly advertising themselves as "Print-makers to the American People." Their prints were issued in either small, medium or large folio, though some particularly popular images were issued in more than one size. Dozens of American artists in the mid 19th century painted primarily for lithographic reproduction by Currier & Ives and other firms. To please a broad audience, the firm presented a warmly positive vision of America, frequently sentimental, and sometimes with a touch of humor. Currier & Ives prints generally portrayed the American landscape, scenery and landmarks, including the westward expansion, as well as daily life in both urban and rural settings. Their sporting and maritime subjects were particularly popular. These prints are now highly collectible as records of American history, as fine works of American art, and for their decorative appeal.
Full publication information: Currier & Ives, 125 Nassau Street, New York.
References:
Bonfante-Warren, Alexandra. Currier & Ives: Portraits of a Nation. New York: Friedman/Fairfax, 1998. pp. 9, 23-41.
Conningham, Frederic A. Currier & Ives Prints: An Illustrated Checklist. New York: Crown, 1949. 6263.