Kittens c. 19th century

Curator: Take a moment to look at "Kittens," a lithograph attributed to Kellogg and Cumstock from around the 19th century, found here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The piece showcases three playful kittens rendered in watercolor. What captures your attention first? Editor: Well, immediately, it's just pure, innocent delight! The way the kittens are positioned – one lounging with casual elegance on a plush stool, another mid-pounce, toy in paw – it's so charming and kind of vintage. There’s also something a little stiff about it; I find it very funny, like a forced studio family portrait, but for kittens. Curator: The process of lithography allows for a widespread distribution of imagery, situating "Kittens" within the burgeoning popular culture of the 19th century. This sort of print would be relatively affordable to produce at scale. Given the annotations on the piece regarding a mother purchasing it, we could investigate themes of domesticity. Also, the choice of watercolor as a medium printed onto a lithograph could potentially bridge a fine art divide and elevate the material. Editor: It certainly does that for me! I’m particularly drawn to the stool they're using like their playground—that rich red upholstery contrasting with the cool blues and grays of their fur. Do you think the stool signifies anything beyond a mere prop? Curator: Considering the time period, the inclusion of a fashionable piece of furniture subtly reinforces middle-class aspirations, linking the depiction of innocent domesticity with ideas of accessible wealth. We see here both high art aspiration in the visual and low-art application of distribution by printed materials. Editor: Fascinating. And what about the inscription noting its purchase as a gift? I'm getting these heartwarming Victorian vibes all of a sudden! I can just imagine that sweet Mom receiving this portrait of innocent domesticity that's simultaneously accessible but elevated... Curator: Indeed. This personal touch highlights the lithograph’s role beyond simple decoration. We're allowed a peek at middle class lives during mass-production of material; these personal additions, for me, offer insight on familial structures and the function of sentimentality in commodity culture. Editor: You know, reflecting on it, maybe that's why this lithograph resonates. The technique, that charm – it whispers of simpler, sweeter times. Even with those slightly goofy kitten faces! Curator: I agree, this tension, for me, allows insight on accessibility. Hopefully that gives listeners a new lens to approach this print.