Friedrich Specht (German, 1839-1909)
Two Kittens Watching a Sparrow
Black chalk, watercolor and bodycolor on paper
5 1/4 x 8 1/4 in
Signed: F. Specht

After completing his studies at Stuttgart Academy, Friedrich Specht began his painting career specializing in the depiction of animals.  He is best known for his illustration of Alfred Edmund Brehm’s (1829-1884), encyclopedia Illustriertes Tierleben. Eine allgemeine Kunde des Tierreichs, 1864-1865 (The Life of Animals), a massive ten-volume work on animal life that enjoyed popular success well into the late nineteenth century and beyond.  It may be assumed that Specht’s many illustrations for this work contributed to its renown as many were used to adorn other books or provided patterns that were often imitated by other artists.

Specht’s accomplished style is fully illustrated in these enchanting watercolors of the domestic cat and dog and in many ways explain the artist’s popularity.  He manages to capture the playful yet mischievous nature of the animals, fully rendering the character and movement of each breed.  Each composition is skillfully composed to create the most aesthetically pleasing image possible.