We may think of dressing dogs and cats as a recent innovation in entertainment but it is really a very old idea. LOLcats, (laughing out load cats) for those who didn't know that there is a name for this activity, was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century.
This form of anthropomorphism goes back even further. The early Egyptians revered cats and made jewelry and protective clothing for them as well as having some mummified with the owner.
One photographer, Harry Whittier Frees (1879–1953), made a living at this selling his images as postcards and photos for public consumption. I found the following images at the Library of Congress site and thought that there may be some smiles for readers. Most are dated 1914. The last photo is of Frees, who battled cancer for years and committed suicide in 1953. But, he left a lasting legacy of delightful images, although I don't know how he managed to get the cats to pose. I have had a cat and it would have left home if I put clothes on it! Enjoy...
This form of anthropomorphism goes back even further. The early Egyptians revered cats and made jewelry and protective clothing for them as well as having some mummified with the owner.
One photographer, Harry Whittier Frees (1879–1953), made a living at this selling his images as postcards and photos for public consumption. I found the following images at the Library of Congress site and thought that there may be some smiles for readers. Most are dated 1914. The last photo is of Frees, who battled cancer for years and committed suicide in 1953. But, he left a lasting legacy of delightful images, although I don't know how he managed to get the cats to pose. I have had a cat and it would have left home if I put clothes on it! Enjoy...
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