Cat Studies

Capture the quiet elegance and minimalist mastery of early 20th-century European design with this striking animal art print. Originally created in 1917 as graphic woodcuts by the pioneering Dutch artist Julie de Graag, this beautiful composition brings together two distinct feline studies: a forward-facing sitting cat rendered with precise, expressive linework, and a sleek, coiled rear-view silhouette of a resting cat. Featuring heavy, high-contrast solid black forms set against an airy, naturally toned sand backdrop and anchored by a bold vintage year statement reading “1917,” this meticulously restored print adds a touch of Art Nouveau refinement and sophisticated modernism to your wall.

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The History: Produced in 1917, this print is a definitive example of the graphic genius of Julie de Graag (1877–1924), one of the Netherlands’ foremost female printmakers of the pre-war era. Influenced heavily by the renowned art critic H.P. Bremmer, De Graag developed a signature style characterized by absolute structural economy, sharp contours, and refined graphic sobriety. Working from her studio in The Hague, she used her sharp observational skills to document domestic animals, plants, and regional landscapes, transforming ordinary subjects into works of monumental graphic grandeur. Today, her celebrated woodcuts are preserved in prestigious institutions like the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Kröller-Müller Museum, recognized for their foundational role in early 20th-century Dutch modernism.

The Aesthetic: A supreme masterclass in minimalist character design, this piece distills the feline form down to its bare, most essential curves and rhythms. The composition features two contrasting perspectives—the alert frontality of a sitting cat with sharp, geometric facial outlines, paired with the smoothly rounded, abstract form of a cat viewed from behind. The striking juxtaposition between the heavy black ink and the clean background creates an instantly scannable, high-contrast focal point. Paired with bold, modern typography at the bottom, the poster seamlessly bridges historic printmaking craftsmanship with contemporary gallery style.

It is an ideal statement piece for:

• Cat lovers, veterinary spaces, fine art collectors, and admirers of early modernist graphic design.

• Minimalist bedrooms, neutral living areas, creative design studios, or high-contrast gallery walls.

• Japandi, Scandinavian, Art Nouveau, mid-century modern, or transitional interiors that value organic shapes and clean lines.

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Product Details

Artist: Julie de Graag – Vintage Dutch Graphic Poster

Title: Cat Studies (Zittende kat / Liggende kat)

Subject: Minimalist Black Cat Silhouette Illustration

Original Year: 1917

Style: Dutch Modernism / Art Nouveau / Expressionist Woodcut

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Museum-Quality Vintage Prints

Our vintage posters are made to order using premium Giclée printing techniques. Every piece is printed on thick, heavyweight fine art paper (200gsm) with a smooth, completely matte finish.

We specifically source an acid-free, natural-toned paper that perfectly recreates the warmth and authentic character of original mid-century lithographs. Unlike standard glossy posters, our premium matte finish ensures there is zero glare when your artwork is framed behind glass, resulting in a rich, museum-quality display. Combined with long-lasting, UV-resistant pigment inks, your print is designed to remain vibrant for generations.