July 25, 1844

You could make a case that Thomas Eakins (July 25, 1844 to June 25, 1916) is the greatest American painter. And he cared for cats. The Smithsonian has a photo labeled "Mrs. Thomas Eakins's Cat,"which they describe as being researched. Another anotation of interest reads:

"Thomas Eakins painted "Home Scene" where we see a woman at a piano with a black and white cat at her side its tail up in an attitude of wanting attention..."

The Met owns this photo titled "Four Cats."

Those cats definitely have an air of the backyard conversation. I am not even sure they are all cats. I am sure they are connected with Thomas Eakins.