Hitchhiker - Captivating Cats Notebook

24 pages, lined

Perhaps hitchhiking is considered quite safe in this feline world. Here, we see cats tramping through the countryside, extending their thumbs (or perhaps clawthumbs?) for a lift. It's peculiar, but then again, who knew that cats drove BMW Isettas? See this image on a greeting card AND as an art print!

Eugen Hartung (1897–1973), a celebrated Swiss artist, is renowned for his endearing and mischievous anthropomorphic cats. Born in Wäldi to an artistic family, he cultivated his talents in Zurich and Europe, focusing on landscape and portrait paintings. Upon returning to Switzerland, he delved into various forms of illustration for magazines and books. His notable work includes contributions to the beloved Swiss songbook Chömed Chinde, mir wänd singe (Come Children, Let’s Sing), published by the Maggi food factory in 1946, cherished across multiple Swiss generations. Visitors to Zurich should not overlook the opportunity to seek out his murals scattered throughout the city. However, his delightful and chaotic cats have left an enduring paw print on cat-themed art and humor.

These whimsical feline characters, known for their charming escapades and clever wit, first appeared on postcards in Switzerland through Max Künzli of Zurich, featuring continuous tone printing. Post-World War II, the Alfred Mainzer Company in Long Island City, NY, continued publishing these beloved cats, often in brighter colors than the original run. They came to be known widely as Mainzer cats. Hartung's illustrations brought these cats to life with expressive faces and playful antics, showcasing his deep understanding of cat behavior. These postcards typically depict settings filled with action, often with a minor disaster just about to occur. We have quite a few original postcards in our archives, and it was hard to choose which ones to reproduce because they're all so fun!

This product was custom designed and created at our location in Seattle.

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