Who is the artist Carl Kahler?
Carl Kahler (1856-1906) is best known for his skills as a painter and his significant contributions to 19th century art. Kahler received her artistic training in Munich, Paris and Italy, where she won several important awards.
In 1885, Kahler arrived in Melbourne from London, marking the beginning of a successful portraiture practice. He exhibited several times with the Australian Artists Association, gaining recognition for his portraits of prominent figures, including Governor Sir Henry Brougham Loch and his family.
In addition to portraits, Carl Kahler was also known for his paintings of horse racing scenes in Australia and New Zealand. His artistic reputation began to solidify in these places, before his subsequent move to the United States.
However, Carl Kahler is best remembered for his quirky and famous work titled "My Wife's Lovers," painted in 1891. This painting depicts 42 cats owned by San Francisco millionaire Kate Birdsall Johnson, the highlight being a Persian cat named Sultan. The work is considered one of the best cat paintings ever created.
Kahler's career was marked by her artistic versatility, moving from portraits to horse racing scenes and, eventually, to a unique and detailed depiction of cats. Unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short by the San Francisco earthquake in 1906, when he lost his life at the age of 49.
Carl Kahler's legacy is preserved through his works, which testify to his technical skill, artistic versatility and the ability to capture the essence of his subjects, whether portraits, sports scenes or the peculiarity of the feline world.
What are the characteristics of Carl Kahler's works?
Portraits of Personalities: Carl Kahler initially gained recognition for his portraits, especially those of prominent social figures. His success in portraying Governor Sir Henry Brougham Loch and his family in Melbourne highlights his ability to capture the likeness and dignity of his sitters.
Horse Racing Scenes: Before his foray into cat portraits, Carl Kahler was known for his paintings of horse racing scenes in Australia and New Zealand. These works capture the energy and excitement of racing, showcasing his ability to represent movement and the unique atmosphere of these events.
Realistic Details: In "My Wife's Lovers" and other works, Carl Kahler demonstrates meticulous attention to detail. He spent years studying Kate Johnson's cats, observing their behaviors and poses to ensure an authentic and captivating representation.
Late Impressionism: Some of his paintings, such as the depiction of "Summer is a wonderful pastoral citadine," indicate an adoption of the late Impressionist style. The use of loose brushstrokes and the technique of painting on a white background to infuse light into the canvas are characteristics associated with impressionism.
Various Influences: Carl Kahler, an avid traveler, was influenced by several artistic currents and styles throughout his career. His work reflects the influence of movements such as impressionism, as well as elements from the past, such as 18th century revivalism and details from Japanese paintings.
Large Dimensions: Some of his works, including "My Wife's Lovers," are notable for their significant dimensions. The painting is described as a massive canvas measuring 6 by 8.5 feet and weighing 227 pounds, adding an element of grandeur to his artistic output.
Although Kahler is best known for her cat paintings, it is important to recognize the diversity in her work throughout her career. His ability to adapt to different themes and styles illustrates his ability as a multifaceted artist.
The story of "My Wife's Lovers"
The story behind "My Wife's Lovers" is as fascinating as the painting itself. The work was created by Austrian artist Carl Kahler in 1891 and depicts 42 cats belonging to San Francisco millionaire Kate Birdsall Johnson.
The relationship between Kate Johnson and Carl Kahler began when Johnson was in Paris in the 1800s and fell in love with a beautiful Persian cat named Sultan. Determined to have it, she offered double the amount that was initially refused, but her wish was granted. Sultan became the highlight of the painting "My Wife's Lovers".
The work is notable not only for its depiction of cats, but for its meticulous attention to detail. Before beginning the painting, Carl Kahler spent three years studying the habits and poses of Johnson's cats to capture their unique personalities. The result is a lively and lively scene, with cats portrayed in various positions and interactions, providing an enchanting view of the feline world.
In 1891, Carl Kahler was invited to Johnson's home in San Francisco, who commissioned him to paint 42 of his cats. At the time, Carl Kahler was best known in Australia and New Zealand for his paintings of horse racing scenes. This commission was a unique challenge as Carl Kahler had never painted cats before. He took time to get to know each cat individually, observing their behaviors and characteristics.
The title "My Wife's Lovers" is reportedly attributed to Kate Johnson's late husband, Robert C. Johnson. Although he died in 1889 before the painting was completed, it is likely that he coined the expression to refer to cats, and Kate adopted the title in honor.
The painting was loaned by Johnson to the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, where it became an instant success. After Johnson's death in 1893, the painting was acquired by Ernest Haquette at an auction of his estate in 1894. It passed through several owners and exhibitions over the years, including a visit to Madison Square Garden for a cat show.
"My Wife's Lovers" survived the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906, which destroyed many other works of art. The painting made its way to a Sotheby's auction in 2015, where it sold for a staggering $826,000 to an anonymous California collector.
Today, the painting is recognized as one of the most notable works of art celebrating a woman's passion for her cats, immortalized by the artistic skill of Carl Kahler. The work is a unique and affectionate vision of the feline world, captivating art and cat lovers around the world.
