1920s black cat art and illustration

Since October is Black Cat Awareness Month, let’s kick off the month long celebration with some rare examples of 1920s black cat art and illustration. I’ve curated and edited this selection from the ’20s but please check out older ones from our archive like Vintage Black Cat Art from 10 years ago! also check out why I founded Black Cat Awareness Month

Elegance and Mystery: The History of Black Cats in Art and Illustration, Roaring into the 1920s

In magazines, sleek cats roamed with grace,

Art Deco’s darling, they found their place.

In postcards, humor, and holiday cheer,

Black cats of the ’20s, forever held dear.

In the world of art and illustration, few subjects have captured the imagination quite like black cats. These enigmatic creatures have long held a special place in our hearts and minds, symbolizing both elegance and mystery. However, it was during the 1920s, the Roaring Twenties, that black cats found themselves in the spotlight more than ever before.

Black cats have a checkered history, often associated with superstitions and myths. In many cultures, they were considered omens of bad luck, believed to bring misfortune and even death. This superstition had a profound impact on their portrayal in art throughout history, often casting them as symbols of evil and the supernatural.

The Shift in Perception: The 1920s marked a turning point in the perception of black cats. This was the era of flappers, jazz, and social change, and the arts were no exception. Artists and illustrators began to challenge traditional beliefs and embrace new, more progressive ideas. Black cats, once seen as symbols of bad luck, began to take on a more playful and mischievous persona. Anthropomorphizing or attributing human qualities to cats continue to grow.

Art Deco Influence: One of the defining artistic movements of the 1920s was Art Deco, characterized by its bold geometric shapes, intricate patterns, and a love for all things modern. Black cats found a natural home within this movement, as their sleek and mysterious appearance perfectly complemented the aesthetic of the time. Artists like Erté, Tamara de Lempicka, and Georges Barbier incorporated black cats into their works, often as symbols of sophistication and elegance.

The Luxor Hotel in Cairo created this card in the 20s for tourists.

Fashion Magazines: Fashion magazines of the 1920s played a pivotal role in reshaping the image of black cats. Illustrations featuring flapper girls in stylish attire often included black cats as playful accessories.

There is nothing more elegant than a black cat.

These magazines, such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, helped popularize the idea that black cats could be fashionable and chic, rather than harbingers of doom.

This glamorous illustration titled “Witch” is the opposite of a Halloween hag.

Travel Postcards: As travel became more accessible in the 1920s, postcards featuring black cats became popular souvenirs. These postcards often depicted black cats in exotic locales, adding an air of mystique and adventure to their image. They served as reminders of far-off destinations and the allure of the unknown.

Humor and Holiday Greeting Cards: The humor of the 1920s was infused with the mischievous spirit of the decade, and black cats were often used as comedic elements in cartoons and humorous illustrations. Holiday greeting cards featured black cats in whimsical and festive scenes, showcasing their playful side and adding a touch of charm to seasonal celebrations. This is precursor of self-help positivity quotes seen online today.

Black cats, once feared and shrouded in mystery, became symbols of elegance and intrigue, gracing the pages of fashion magazines, travel postcards, humor, and holiday greeting cards. Their journey through the 1920s reminds us of the power of art to challenge perceptions and redefine the symbolism of the world around us, proving that even the most mysterious of creatures can find a place in the spotlight.

Look for Part 2 of 1920s black cat art and illustration soon!