Life imitating art

My close friends know that "a long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away" I was a Fine Arts major in college. While many of my friends bemoan the Art History classes they took, I relish (sober and a tad drunk) discussing the importance of art. I have saved my Art History textbooks and occasionally will take them out and look through them. In fact, one of my favorite college memories entails a trip to the National Gallery, the 19th and 20th century galleries specifically, right after an extensive essay based final exam in 19th and 20th century art. I TOTALLY freaked out the security guards, as I squealed at each work that I recognized from my exam, and approached to view closely to see the brush strokes--I'm that kinda girl.

So anyway over the years, friends have remembered me and gifted me with lovely coffee table books about art in one way or another. Several years ago I received a truly thoughtful gift, "Impressionist Cats" by Susan Herbert. In this book the author takes classic Impressionist paintings, and reinterprets them with cats instead of people. Crazy I know, but everytime I look at them I chuckle.

One of my favorite paintings is "Olympia" by Manet. One, because I think it is just a wonderful painting. Two, because it caused an uproar when it was shown because of the female nudity and the sexuality it presented (seems very innocent these days).

"Conservatives condemned the work as 'immoral' and 'vulgar.' Journalist Antonin Proust later recalled, 'If the canvas of the Olympia was not destroyed, it is only because of the precautions that were taken by the administration.'" -- Wikipedia .

So back to my Impressionist Cats book.....imagine my delight the first time I was flipping through the book and found this.
This cracks me up every time. The original was deemed vulgar due in part to the nudity, right? The cat above is nude in her fur.....a naked cat.....get it?

Now finally, the "life imitating art" bit....today while innocently reading emails and blogs I look over and notice the dog resting in a familiar position.
All that was missing was black kitten Pepper hanging out in the background! Oh well...still I think it's funny (but then I'm easily amused.)

So there ends your art "lesson" for the day. Hope you have an awesome weekend....I've been dancing to my Friday happy music all day!