Gottfried Mind

While he sat painting, a cat might generally be seen sitting on his back or on his shoulder; many times he kept, for hours, the most awkward postures, that he might not disturb it.
~Thomas Byerley and John Timbs, writing about Gottfried Mind

For Art Thursday, the art of Gottfried Mind. Mind, who was born in Switzerland in 1768, had difficulties mentally and physically. His principle devotion was to art, particularly drawing cats.

Another quote from Byerley and Timbs: "On Sundays and winter nights, Mind, by way of pastime, used, out of dried, wild chestnuts, to carve little cats, bears, and other beasts, and this with so much art that these little dainty toys were shortly in no less request than his drawings. It is a pity that insects, such as frequently exist in the interior of chestnuts, have already destroyed so many of these carvings."

Cat on a stool and three playful kittens
by Gottfried Mind
Original from Library of Congress. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.

Cat and three playful kittens
by Gottfried Mind (1768-1814).
Original from Library of Congress. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.

Cat grasping a mouse
by Gottfried Mind

Farmer, domestic activities
Gottfried Mind

Monkey
Gottfried Mind