23 Meowsterpiece Memes That Prove Every Classic Painting Needs a Cat Cameo

Before the internet crowned cats as its supreme rulers, painters were already paying furry tribute on canvas. That's right, cats have been silently judging us from the corners of fine art for centuries. Whether curled at a noblewoman's feet, skulking in a cat corner, or mid-stretch in a scene, these stealthy felines have clawed their way into art history.

Some cats are symbolic (witchcraft! femininity! independence!), but most of them look like they just wandered in, found a warm spot, and purrsisted in staying. Classic cat. You'll spot them in Egyptian frescoes, medieval meownuscripts, Dutch still lifes, and even chilling in a random portrait. It's the original version of photobombing, but with fur and attitude.

Art historians may wax poetic about their meaning, but we know the truth: cats just go where they want. Always have, always will. So next time you're gazing at a centuries-old painting, look closely.Behind all that grandeur and glory, there's probably a feline being pawsitively judgmental and looking mewseum-worthy while doing it.

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Author image for Sarah Brown Sarah Brown
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