Postcards depicting animals dressed as humans occupy a unique place in the history of popular illustration. Combining retro charm, humour and a touch of surrealism, they won over a wide audience at the end of the 19th century. Three artists in particular popularised this imaginary art form through the numerous postcards they devoted to it: Louis Wain, Harry Whittier Frees and Arthur Thiele.
Louis Wain revolutionised the representation of anthropomorphic cats. His felines, often dressed in elegant or eccentric costumes, engage in human activities: playing cricket, drinking tea, dancing or participating in social scenes. His lively and expressive style gives his characters an almost theatrical energy. Postcards of his work greatly contributed to popularising the idea of animals with human behaviour, while establishing the cat as a central figure in humorous iconography.
At the same time, Harry Whittier Frees adopted a radically different approach: photography. He dressed up real animals – cats, dogs, rabbits – and staged them in everyday situations. His postcards, both endearing and slightly absurd, are the result of infinite patience and a keen eye for detail. They were hugely successful, particularly in the United States, and make for an entertaining collection.
Finally, Arthur Thiele, a prolific German illustrator, left a lasting mark on the genre with his cats, dogs, bears and pigs dressed in traditional or fanciful costumes. His warm style gave rise to a series of iconic postcards, notably those depicting animals celebrating Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
Together, these three artists have shaped a world where humanised animals become mirrors, satire or simply a source of tenderness. Their legacy continues to inspire contemporary creators and fuel the passion of collectors.
Beyond the traditional cats and dogs, you can find many other humanised animals such as rabbits, monkeys, donkeys and lions. These postcards can be used either as animal fantasies for decorated postcards or as animal-themed postcards on Delcampe.net, the collectors’ marketplace.
