The artwork titled “BEEN THROUGH THE WARS” by Louis Wain is an exemplary creation from the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement, belonging to the genre of animal painting. This piece is distinguished by its depiction of a cat, which is rendered with distinctive anthropomorphic characteristics.
In the artwork, the cat features an expressive face adorned with evidence of its ‘wars’—one eye is patched, and its expression is one of resilience mixed with a hint of weariness. The background is softly blurred with hues of green and red, which may symbolize a battlefield or tumultuous past experiences. The cat’s fur exhibits a combination of white and orange tones, enhanced by careful shading and line work that highlight its texture. The touch of the artist’s hand is evident, revealing an acute attention to detail and a sensitive portrayal of the subject’s emotional state. The artwork effectively captures the essence of struggle and endurance, making it a poignant addition to Louis Wain’s oeuvre.
