Browse ›
Painted portrait of a blue-gray British Shorthair cat in a large white ruffled collar and a purple velvet doublet with gold. 22 / 24

That Ruff Is Enormous. So Is This British Shorthair Marquis's Attitude.

AI imagebritish shorthairroyal portraittudor

That ruff is enormous, and so is the attitude. A blue-gray British Shorthair marquis gazes out with round copper eyes over a crisp white pleated collar so large it seems to hold his chubby cheeks in place. His doublet is a rich plum-purple velvet, embroidered with golden fleur-de-lis, thistles, and swirling floral bands, and a navy cape edged with gold leaves is draped over one shoulder. A gold cord tassel rests at his collarbone. The background is a mottled olive-green damask, softly faded and lined with the fine cracks of age.

Purple was the most exclusive color of all in Tudor England. Dyes that produced a deep, lasting purple were rare and costly, and the color had been linked with royalty since ancient times. Henry VIII's sumptuary laws went so far as to restrict purple silk to the king and his close family. So a marquis daring to wear purple velvet would be making quite a statement. The British Shorthair, for its part, is one of the oldest English cat breeds, admired for its dense, plush coat, sturdy build, and calm, easygoing nature.

Rules about purple notwithstanding, this marquis seems entirely unconcerned. With his plush blue fur, round face, and supremely composed expression, he gives the clear impression that the laws simply do not apply to anyone quite as distinguished as he is.

More from this collection

All 24 →
Painted portrait of a curly apricot Goldendoodle in a jeweled gold crown, ermine cape, and red and gold embroidered gown.Her Majesty's Curls Are Perfect, and So Is Her Crown. She's a Goldendoodle.Painted portrait of a Russian Blue cat in a dark gabled hood, small white ruff, and red embroidered gown, holding a fan.This Lady-in-Waiting Quietly Hears Every Bit of Court Gossip. She's a Russian Blue.
Painted portrait of a silver tabby British Shorthair cat in an ornate green velvet coat with gold embroidery and frogging.This Silver Tabby Sat for a Royal Portrait. His Expression Says He's Led Many Hunts.Painted portrait of a fluffy white Maltese in a black scholar's robe with gold embroidered bands, holding a feather quill.A Maltese in a Scholar's Robe Raised His Quill and Paused Mid-ThoughtPainted portrait of a black dog with a white chest in a navy velvet doublet with gold roses, fleur-de-lis, and a blue sash.From Shelter Pup to Tudor Prince, and He Wears It Like He Was Born to ItPainted portrait of a black Newfoundland dog in a feathered velvet hat, white lace ruff, and green-gold embroidered gown.Her Grace the Newfoundland Has Arrived, and She Brought Her Best Hat