Cat Resting on a Shoe
Painting on paper • Stopka (signed lower right)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Folk Art / Naïve Art
Medium & Technique
Gouache or acrylic on paper; flat color application with fine-line detailing for whiskers and fur texture
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 18 inches; Landscape format
Subject Description
A close-up, high-angle view of a ginger/tabby cat reclining its head against a brown shoe worn by a person in blue jeans. The background consists of a textured yellow surface, possibly a wooden floor or rug. The composition emphasizes the domestic bond between pet and owner through simplified, expressive forms.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; colors appear vibrant and the support is intact
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $500
Auction Estimate
$150 - $400
Provenance History
Likely a private commission or local gallery sale; no specific institutional labels visible. The signature 'Stopka' suggests a contemporary regional artist.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of contemporary Outsider or Naïve art, focusing on domestic intimacy and stylization of animal forms. It reflects a personal, illustrative approach to portraiture that prioritizes emotional resonance over anatomical accuracy.
Notable Features
Bold, stylized 'M' marking on the cat's forehead; distinctive black ink signature 'Stopka' in the lower right corner; visible spiral notebook perforation along the left edge suggesting it was created in a sketchbook.
Condition Issues
Minor edge wear consistent with unframed paper; slight rippling of the paper support due to paint application.
Conservation Recommendations
Acid-free mounting and framing under UV-protective glass to prevent fading of the yellow and blue pigments. Maintain a stable humidity environment to prevent further paper cockling.