PLAYFUL CAT

Historical and artistic context

The Playful Cat is a charming and exquisitely crafted marble sculpture that captures a tender and whimsical scene: a kitten playing with a strand of yarn atop a cushion. With its body gently twisted, front paws raised, head tilted to the side, and tail gracefully curled, the figure conveys a natural sense of innocence, movement, and delight. The supple form of the animal is masterfully rendered, and the white Carrara marble enhances the softness of the fur, the delicate curve of the limbs, and the fluid flow of the yarn.

This piece is the result of a rare collaboration between two sculptors: Affortunato Gory, known for his refined female busts, and Achille Fidi, an Italian sculptor active in the early 20th century. Their joint creation harmoniously blends Gory’s elegance and Fidi’s lively sensitivity, striking a balance between technical mastery and playful charm.

Moreover, the sculpture embodies the decorative spirit of the Belle Époque—a period in which everyday moments were elevated into scenes of poetic grace. Through its subtle modeling and meticulous attention to detail, the work evokes a world where craftsmanship and beauty were intimately intertwined.

With its intimate scale and universal subject, The Playful Cat continues to captivate viewers today. It expresses not only the enchantment of feline behavior but also the period’s fascination with domestic scenes and refined ornamentation. The result is a delightful and timeless work that appeals both to the eye and to the heart.

Literature :

• ARWAS, V. Art Deco Sculpture. Academy  Editions, Great Britain, 1992. p. 104-105 & p. 236.

• CATLEY, B. Art Deco and other Figures. 2e éd. Antique Collector’s Club, Spain, 2003. p. 168-170.

• KJELLBERG, P. Les Bronzes du XIXe Siècle, Dictionnaire des sculpteurs. Les éditions de l’amateur, Paris, 1989. p. 363-364.

• PANZETTA, A. Nuovo Dizionario degli Scultori Italiani dell’Ottocento e del primo Novecento, 3^e éd. Umberto Allemandi & C., Italy, 2003. Vol.1. p. 441 & 488.