Illustration for the book 'How mice buried the cat' by Zhukovsky 1910

Curator: Immediately striking. The muted colors give it such a quiet, unsettling atmosphere, even though it's an illustration for a children's book. Editor: It's more than an illustration, it's a portal, isn't it? This piece is one of a series created around 1910 by Heorhiy Narbut for 'How mice buried the cat' by Zhukovsky. There are nods to traditional styles such as ukiyo-e, which he was fascinated with. Look how he turns this folk tale into something steeped in a very clever form of symbolism. Curator: I see what you mean about the ukiyo-e influence, definitely. The perspective is a bit wonky, which contributes to that unsettling feeling I got. And yet, it's a rather amusing scene—mice holding a funeral for a cat while a large rooster looks on. What's the underlying feeling there, do you think? Editor: Well, the rooster is an ancient symbol, and one can not easily detach that representation of pride, power, even resurrection depending on the culture. Given that context, its scale, standing in what almost appears to be a lake. Its very presence here, observing this whole spectacle, emphasizes the transience and reversals of power. The small triumphant over the large and expected order. Curator: Power reversals...the mice getting the upper hand on the cat. Yes! I get it. But then what is the significance of the cat sitting right there above on a ledge, completely alive? Editor: That is interesting to note... Perhaps that means what has occurred can’t simply erase its significance... and memory persists—haunting their supposed victory? The dream or the wish becoming briefly realized while facing truth's silent reminder of the past reality? Curator: So, it is not just a funny children’s story after all, but a subtle lesson about the temporary nature of power and the persistence of memory, told through the quirky filter of a truly unique artistic vision. Amazing. I have never seen a children’s illustration make such a striking symbolic commentary! Editor: Exactly. Next time you meet with an artwork, remember that images speak beyond surface-level entertainment or utility. Dig a little and you'll be surprised!