Who painted The Pole Cat (Viverra putorius)?

The Pole Cat (Viverra putorius) was painted by Mark Catesby in 1737.

Where can I see The Pole Cat (Viverra putorius)?

The Pole Cat (Viverra putorius) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Pole Cat (Viverra putorius)?

The Pole Cat (Viverra putorius) is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Pole Cat (Viverra putorius)

Mark Catesby , 1737

The Pole Cat (Viverra putorius) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Mark Catesby. It dates from 1737 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Pole Cat (Viverra putorius) is a hand-colored etching and engraving on laid paper, created by Mark Catesby in 1737. It is one of the illustrated plates from his comprehensive *Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands*, a pioneering work on North American natural history.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a striped skunk (not a pole cat, as the title suggests) in its natural habitat, alongside a green plant with blue flowers. The scene blends scientific observation with artistic representation, reflecting Catesby’s dual role as naturalist and illustrator.

Technique & Style

Catesby employed etching and engraving techniques to achieve detailed renderings of the skunk’s fur and sharp claws. Hand coloring adds vibrancy, particularly in the bright yellow eyes and the contrasting blue flowers against green foliage. The composition showcases meticulous line work.

History & Provenance

Mark Catesby, an English naturalist, traveled to the New World to study and illustrate its wildlife. *The Pole Cat* is part of his landmark publication, which significantly contributed to early modern understanding of American species. The original context of the print’s creation and its subsequent ownership history are not detailed here.

Context

Published in 1737, this work is part of the first major survey of North American flora and fauna. It reflects the era’s growing interest in natural history and the scientific classification of New World species.

Legacy

Catesby’s detailed illustrations, including *The Pole Cat*, played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge about American wildlife in the 18th century, influencing subsequent natural history studies and artistic depictions of North American species.