Cats or Dogs? Debate over Four-Legged Friends Continues in 2018

New Brunswick, NJ – It is estimated that more than 60% of U. S. households have at least one pet – the majority of which are cats and dogs – so it is no surprise that domesticated animals have been popular subjects for American artists. In particular, illustrators of children’s books have created memorable canine and feline characters, depicting the distinct movements, expressions, and personalities that endear them to their human companions. The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University has drawn from its vast holdings in this genre to present Cats vs. Dogs: Illustrations for Children's Literature, on view through June 24, featuring more than 40 drawings and collages by Frank Asch, Mary Chalmers, Tony Chen, Roger Duvoisin, Shari Halpern, Lois Lenski, Ward Schumaker, and Art Seiden. The exhibition emphasizes the strength of visual elements in storytelling, especially for children learning how to read. Relating to the situations that characters encounter, youngsters become more engaged in the story and recognize how the fictional lessons apply to their own lives.

“Cats and dogs are beloved companions in our everyday lives,” notes Nicole Simpson, the Zimmerli’s Assistant Curator of Prints and Drawings. “Stories of their journeys and adventures have entertained and educated children and their families for generations. This exhibition presents a wide range of illustrations – from whimsical sketches to highly detailed, realistic renderings and bold, graphic modern approaches – that demonstrate the creative approaches of these artists and the charms of these animals.” In addition, visitors are invited to vote for their preferred pets in one-of-a-kind ballot boxes in the gallery.

Several works on view document the development of beloved characters. A collage by Shari Halpern for Little Robin Redbreast: A Mother Goose Rhyme (1994) portrays a moment in the rivalry between cats and birds: the robin, just out of reach, taunts the cat, as readers anticipate the imminent pursuit. The expressive scene incorporates vibrant shapes of paper, assembled into a lively, modern interpretation of this centuries-old tale. Preparatory pencil sketches by Mary Chalmers for Three to Get Ready (1965; written by Betty Boegehold) capture the signature movements of cats – grooming, strutting, grabbing toys. The story instills early lessons about responsibility, kindness, and courage as three kittens test their boundaries and learn from mistakes, just as children do, when they increasingly navigate the world on their own.

While most of the works on view show only key moments from books, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the entire story of Mouse Chase (1995; written by Vivian Sathre) with illustrations by Ward Schumaker. This story follows a cat that pursues a mouse across land and through water. The wily rodent remains just out of reach, until it finally escapes for good. Schumaker’s flowing lines and condensed color palette, along with the author’s short, declarative texts, match the quick pace of the story, engaging readers in the adventure. 

Two stories introduce readers to a broad range of dog breeds. Art Seiden understands the individuality of canines in Puppies (1962), celebrating the physical traits and unique personalities of such breeds as poodles, dachshunds, beagles, and collies. Nine of his detailed gouache (opaque watercolor) drawings define the varied textures of whiskers and tufts of fur, as well as their distinct reactions during such activities as playing tug or taking a bath. Roger Duvoisin’s gouache illustration for the cover of Mr. & Mrs. Button’s Wonderful Watchdogs (1978; written by Janice Brustlein) portray the lively spirit of this crew of pets. When the Buttons decide they need more protection than provided by their dachshund and two cats, they successively adopt dogs increasing in size and perceived intimidation: boxer, German shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, and Irish wolfhound. But they soon learn that outside appearance is not indicative of personality.

The exhibition spotlights several other original drawings and collages by Roger Duvoisin, for whom the Zimmerli’s gallery dedicated to children’s books is named. An acclaimed illustrator of more than 140 books, he lived and worked in New Jersey for nearly five decades. Duvoisin often collaborated with his wife Louise Fatio to create memorable characters whose antics and epiphanies provide life lessons that resonate from generation to generation. His drawings for a 1936 edition of Mother Goose (edited by William Rose Benét) accompany fairy tales and nursery rhymes that have been passed down for centuries, with contemporary characters in situations to which readers can relate. The anxiety of the ubiquitous Three Little Kittens who lost their mittens is apparent; Bow-Wow helps children develop reading and memorization skills by imitating the amusing sounds of farm animals; and Pussy Sits by the Fire captures a scene of a relaxed cat and dog engaged in polite conversation. Duvoisin’s preparatory designs for Flash of Washington Square (1954; written by Margaret Pratt) tell the story of a young cocker spaniel who loves living in New York City, featuring selected scenes that express his energy and determination. Illustrations for Marc and Pixie and the Walls in Mrs. Jones’s Garden (1975; written by Fatio and Duvoisin) depict an unexpected friendship that evolves from a rivalry between a chipmunk and cat after they find common ground.

Cats vs. Dogs: Illustrations for Children's Literature was organized by Nicole Simpson, Assistant Curator of Prints and Drawings. The exhibition is on view July 1, 2017, through June 24, 2018.