Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Artist Recreates Historical Figures as Adorable Cats and Dogs
1 Marie Antoinette
One can't help to think that the artist, Christina Hess, has a bit of a laugh when conjuring up her creative illustrations of cats and dogs portrayed as famous historical figures. Who doesn't enjoy dressing-up their beloved pet, right? Hess gets to have fun doing just that but with her paintbrush. What would the Queen of France say if she was reincarnated as a feline? "Let them eat catnip!"
2 What Do Animals Have To Do With History?
The artist and illustrator Christina Hess created a book for children and adults, including an e-book of her illustrations of cats and dogs as historical characters. Alongside the images are stories of historical events with “a twist of imagination”. For instance, this painting would explain about the prominent French Revolution military and political leader Napoleon, but with a bit of embellishment. Evidently, Hess said she was thinking of her late dog Roscoe here, an adorable Basset Hound. Aww..
3 Joan Of Arc
This may not be who we envision in our minds when we think of the national heroine of France, but she is all the more brave and strong in the form of a German Shepherd! These dogs are loyal, confident and courageous, and Hess does match those qualities to Joan of Arc perfectly! We just need to remember there are female German Shepherd too!
4 Egypt's Cleopatra
We agree with Hess here! The popular legends of Cleopatra reveal that she was quite a feline character. She maneuvered sleekly and seductively into the political and romantic lives of powerful men. Historical records show that Cleopatra committed suicide with a bite of a poisonous snake, as symbolized in Hess’ painting. Her lover and partner, Mark Antony soon followed by stabbing himself to death. Ahh, that’s so sad!
5 Jean Lafitte
You may be thinking of Captain Jack Sparrow of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film series, but Christina Hess’ specialty is in real life historical figures! Her dog dressed as a pirate here is actually Jean Lafitte, and perhaps Johnny Depp was channeling him, what do you think? The Frenchman, was a notorious pirate and a privateer in the early 19th century operating in the Gulf of Mexico. Hess’s painting does capture him well!
6 The Virgin Queen of England?
We’re thinking the Virgin Queen aka Queen Elizabeth? Or could it be her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots? Queen Elizabeth in early portraits certainly was prone to outdo Queen Mary with her incredible fancy dress, and Hess’s cat is stylin’ with almost the exact Elizabethan costuming that Queen Elizabeth wore. Did you know Queen Mary was executed by Queen Elizabeth's order? But then did you notice that poor “mouse” in this painting? Such a tragedy!
7 Jizo Bodhisattva
If you look closely at this painting there is so much to see! Do you spy on the little koala bear on his arm? This is one of Japan’s favorite Buddha deities who’s usually portrayed as a monk, but can also appear in many forms, like perhaps a cat? Jizo Bodhisattva is known as the protector of children and like a superhero, he’s saves people when most needed.
8 King Henry V
Hess portrays King Henry V as a German Shepard in military garb with the old flag of England. Who is King Henry V? He ruled over England in the 15th century and battled with France in the ‘Hundred Years' War’. Although recognized for great victories it was his marriage to King Charles VI of France’s daughter that sealed his rule over France. Hess paints him with a “halo” as the king was known for his religious piousness.
9 Could It Be Braveheart?
This character is a mystery! Is it William Wallace, Braveheart of Scotland? The Scottish landowner led the ‘Wars of Scottish Independence’ and he would be as fierce as this sheep dog donning a tartan and sword. Do you see the crowned hedgehog on his sleeve? Could that be his nemesis, King Edward I of England? Yeah, this surely is Braveheart!
10 Mr. & Mrs. F. Scott Fitzgerald
The real “Mr. & Mrs.” was one of the most notorious American couples ever during the “Roaring Twenties". How did Hess get started on her illustration venture? She said for funding she offered original artwork of people’s pets as their choice of historical figures. Hess claims sometimes the personality of these pets matched the historical figure’s personality!
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