Crayons are an unlikely medium for a world-renown artist. Yet, Walter Anderson has used the simple instruments to create these sensitive depictions of the cats of Oldfields. Anderson’s eldest daughter tells us that her father one day asked to borrow the crayons – she willingly obliged and lent her father her fresh set of crayons. When they returned to her they were nothing but stubbs of color – their energy had all been given to the image.
Cat
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1948
Crayon on Paper
Gift of the Family of Watler Anderson to the Museum
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1948
Crayon on Paper
Gift of the Family of Watler Anderson to the Museum
Mother Cat and Kitten
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1948
Crayon on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1948
Crayon on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Illustration from Paradise Lost
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1948
Crayon on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Inglis Anderson
C. 1948
Crayon on Paper
Courtesy of the Family of Walter Anderson
Walter Anderson illustrated many of his favorite books during his time at Oldfields. These works are typically drawn with pen and ink but this particular work is executed in crayon. This drawing depicts a scene from Milton’s Paradise Lost. In the image, Adam and Eve are closely followed through the Garden of Eden by a large striped tabby cat.
You may notice, in this work particularly, that some of the images appear to have watermarks, wrinkles, and even tears. These marks are left from the damage of Hurricane Katrina when many works were submerged underwater. We are grateful that these works have been preserved to share with you today.
