Figure of a Cat. From Egypt. Ptolemaic Period–Roman Period, 305 B.C.E.–first century C.E. Wood, gilded gesso, bronze, rock crystal, glass, 259⁄16 x 65⁄16 x 1113⁄16 in. (65 × 16 × 30 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1945E.

CINCINNATI, OH.- Whether you prefer the Egyptian pyramids and the Great Sphinx or Grumpy Cat and Lil Bub – there is something for everyone at the Cincinnati Art Museum’s summer exhibition, Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt, June 18 – Sept. 11, 2016. 

Felines played an important role in ancient Egyptian imagery for thousands of years. From domesticated cats to mythic symbols of divinity, Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt explores the role of cats, lions, and other feline creatures in Egyptian mythology, kingship and everyday life through 80 representations of cats from the Brooklyn Museum’s world-famous Egyptian collection. Majestic lions, cuddly companions, fierce hunters and sleepy sun-lovers are all on view. 

Seated Wadjet. From Egypt. Late Period, Dynasty 26 to Dynasty 31, 664–332 B.C.E. Bronze, 20 1⁄2 x 4 7⁄8 x 9 1⁄2 in. (52.1 × 12.4 × 24.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 36.622. 

Julie Aronson, Cincinnati Art Mewseum curator and a long-time cat shelter volunteer for Save the Animals Foundation (STAF), explains the allure of this show. “The monumental Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the masterpieces of the ancient world, relates to this exhibition. The early Egyptians venerated the dual nature of cats, who they admired on the one hand for their hunting abilities and fierceness and on the other for their protective and maternal instincts. We are fortunate to present such evocative works of art that reflect not only the tremendous artistry of the Egyptians but their love of the beauty, complexity and mystery of cats, both wild and domestic.” 

Striding Sphinx Finial. From Egypt. Third Intermediate Period, Dynasty 22 to Dynasty 24, circa 945–712 B.C.E. Bronze, 51⁄2 x 15⁄8 x 5 in. (14 × 4.1 × 12.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 61.20.

Gallery design includes cases imbedded in pyramids and a timeline and map of ancient Egypt. The exhibition features thematic sections devoted to representations of small and large cats, feline-headed goddesses associated with the sun, sphinxes and other male protective deities, amulets and objects of daily life in feline form and ornamentation. Interactive activities will make this an event for all to enjoy. 

Finial with Figure of the God Bes. Third Intermediate Period, Dynasty 21 to Dynasty 25, circa 1075–656 B.C.E. Bronze,1515⁄16 x 213⁄16 in. (40.5 × 7.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 46.127.

So as not to deprive dog lovers, the exhibition also includes a small section on these faithful creatures who have been serving a protective role for their owners for centuries. The ancient Egyptians began keeping dogs as pets as early as 5,000 B.C.E. Canine gods appeared in Egyptian myth often serving as guardians of the dead. 

Cat with Kittens (detail). Reportedly from Saqqara, Egypt. Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, Dynasty 26 or later, circa 664–30 B.C.E. Bronze, solid-cast and wood, 23⁄8 x 37⁄16 x 115⁄16 in. (6.1 × 8.8 × 5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.406E.

Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt will be on view in the mewseum’s Thomas R. Schiff Gallery (234). Admission is free and open to the public every day that the museum is open, Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Three other special features will showcase cat-related artwork throughout the museum.