The artwork titled “CATASTROPHIES ARE ‘OFF’ IN 1902 TAKE CARE HOW YOU STEP INTO THE NEW YEAR. DECEMBER IS RATHER A TRYING MONTH TO GET THROUGH, WHAT WITH CHRISTMAS, AND NEW YEAR’S EVE” was created by Louis Wain in 1902. The artwork belongs to the Art Nouveau movement, also known as Modern, and falls under the genre of illustration.
The artwork features a charming, anthropomorphic cat, dressed in a buttoned coat and scarf, holding a lantern. Positioned on a table beside the cat is a bottle and a Christmas pudding, evoking festive imagery. The cat’s expression and posture suggest a sense of caution, as indicated by the accompanying text. The inscription at the top right reads, “This way to the up-to-date year 1902.” The drawing predominantly employs black ink, with detailed line work characteristic of Louis Wain’s distinctive style, capturing a whimsical yet contemplative mood pertinent to the turn of the year.
