The Parrot and the Cat (Sketch for "Good-Night" by Eleanor Gates)

c. 1905

The Parrot and the Cat (Sketch for "Good-Night" by Eleanor Gates), c. 1905. Arthur Rackham (British, 1867–1939). Brush and pencil; The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Ralph Perkins in memory of Coburn Haskell 1946.158 Arthur Rackham was one of the most successful book illustrators of the early 20th century. He is best known for his colored illustrations for luxury editions intended as Christmas gifts. However, Rackham also did some work as a commercial illustrator. He designed ephemera like bookplates and greeting cards, and created illustrations for several magazines. The image associated with this sketch is an example of the later. It was one of six published in the February 1906 issue of Scribner's Magazine accompanying the short story "Buenas Noches" by Eleanor Gates. This sketch shows the tale's two subjects in the same positions and poses as in the finished composition. This sketch shows the climax of the story when Loretta the Parrot confronts her enemy, Tomasso the cat, to protect her friend, Tony the canary.