The Court Painter Turned Around, and He Was a Devon Rex
Brushes down, beret on, and the court painter turns to see who is watching. A grey Devon Rex with enormous ears and big, yellow-green eyes looks out of the canvas, a black velvet beret tilted over his short, rippled coat. His green velvet jacket has gold embroidery and a lace collar, and one pale paw in a lace cuff balances a wooden palette dotted with blobs of blue, red and white. The shadows behind him are dark and warm, and a few brushes rest between his fingers.
It is a lovely joke that the artist has painted himself, and the pose is wonderfully modest. His sharp little face seems to be asking whether the color on the palette needs a touch more blue.
Devon Rex cats are famous for their elfin look, with oversized ears, high cheekbones and a short, wavy coat that feels like soft suede. They are playful and people-oriented, and many like to perch on shoulders or follow their owners from room to room. Their coat is thin, so they can feel chilly and often seek out warm laps and sunny windows. Because they are so social, they do best with company and plenty of interactive play. The ears can collect wax, so ask your vet how to check and clean them safely.
The finished masterpiece may be a self-portrait, but we suspect the real masterpiece is that perfectly curled ear.
