The Cat's Paw | Sir Edwin Henry Landseer | 1824

The Cat's Paw (c. 1824) by Sir Edwin Henry Landseer is a disturbing and allegorical painting that depicts a monkey using a cat's paw to retrieve chestnuts from a burning stove, causing the cat visible pain. The scene unfolds in a dimly lit domestic interior, with the cat writhing in agony while the monkey remains detached and calculating. This cruel act, watched passively by other animals in the background, illustrates the fable-based theme of exploitation and manipulation—one creature suffering for another’s gain. Landseer’s dark humor and moral commentary make this an unsettling yet powerful work.

Frame:

Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age.

All framed prints feature our premium fine art paper. This is a museum-quality paper which reproduces photography and artworks with exceptional tonality and renders sharp details with consistent flatness and accuracy.

Print: 

For the matted / mounted prints we use a thick 1.4mm window mount cut from premium, textured mountboard. All mounts are "conservation grade", FSC certified, 100% acid free, and will not discolour or fade with age.

• Simple, elegant design
• Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface
• Handmade by specialist picture framers
• FSC certified off-white mat / window mount
• Delivered ready for hanging