The Marquis Wore the Biggest Lace Collar at Court and Knew It
Blue eyes shine from a dark seal-point mask as a Ragdoll marquis tilts his head ever so slightly toward the viewer. A great ruffled collar of white lace frames his cream chest, and his coat is brown velvet embroidered with delicate gold vines. A black cloak hangs from one shoulder, and the shadows behind him are warm, as if a fire were burning in the next room.
Seal point Ragdolls are born nearly white and slowly develop their darker markings on the face, ears, paws and tail as they grow. Known for a gentle, easygoing nature, they often enjoy lounging near their family and being handled calmly. Their silky coat tangles less than many long-haired cats, though brushing a couple of times a week keeps it neat, and regular vet checkups help keep a big cat healthy.
The painter put real care into the lace, with each little loop and ruffle catching a touch of light. Against all that ornament, the cat's face stays beautifully simple, and those big blue eyes become the heart of the picture. A marquis is supposed to look refined, and this one does it without trying, perhaps because a Ragdoll is naturally good at looking dignified while being gloriously fluffy.
Whatever the court was whispering about that day, this marquis gave the impression of listening carefully and forgetting nothing.
