Delving into the captivating world of art and history, we explore the unique project “Animal From History” by the talented artist Christina Hess. This series imaginatively pairs historical figures with animal counterparts, offering a fresh and engaging perspective on both art and the past. Hess, whose artistic journey began in a Philadelphia Irish bar, has since blossomed into a renowned illustrator, bringing this whimsical concept to life.
The inspiration behind “Animals From History” is a rich tapestry woven from personal experiences and artistic curiosity. Christina Hess explains that the project was sparked by a commission to paint a client’s cat as a queen. This led her to research historical queens, realizing that depicting real figures offered more creative depth. The project further evolved with the influence of her Basset Hound, Roscoe, whose distinct personality prompted Hess to consider how animals might embody human historical figures, drawing parallels between their traits and famous quotes or life stories.
The Art of Pairing Animals and Historical Figures
Hess’s approach to pairing specific animals with historical figures is a fascinating blend of observation and intuition. Initially, she considered using wild animals, but the project gravitated towards domestic pets, particularly dogs. This shift was partly driven by her Kickstarter campaign, which allowed patrons to have their own pets immortalized as historical figures. Hess discovered that owners connected with historical figures not necessarily based on the animal’s appearance or general demeanor, but on the individual animal’s unique personality. For instance, she notes that the pairing of a cat as Teddy Roosevelt worked particularly well due to a striking resemblance.
The project also highlights the distinct personalities within animal families. Hess recounts a story where a client’s German Shepherds, one portrayed as Joan of Arc and the other as Henry V, exhibited opposing personalities in real life, with “Joan” often dominating “Henry.” This dynamic informed the artistic representation, emphasizing the importance of individual animal character in the creative process.
For wild animals, Hess focuses on matching their inherent traits with those of the historical figures. For example, snow leopards, known for their solitary nature, are depicted as figures like The Fitzgeralds, who were not known for staying together. Similarly, the solitary and “ruthless” nature of mountain lions inspired the portrayal of Steve Jobs.
Roscoe the Basset Hound as Napoleon Bonaparte
One particularly charming pairing is that of Hess’s late Basset Hound, Roscoe, as Napoleon Bonaparte. Hess explains that Basset Hounds often exhibit “short man syndrome,” acting with a boldness that belies their size. Roscoe, described as “vociferous” with a touch of “prissiness,” reminded Hess of Napoleon’s assertive personality. The artist further elaborates on the visual parallels, noting Napoleon’s short stature and pushy demeanor, which mirrored Roscoe’s own traits. A humorous anecdote reveals that bread was Roscoe’s “catnip,” much like the French bread associated with Napoleon. Hess also ingeniously incorporated a subtle detail: Roscoe’s desire to hide his paw, allowing her to depict him as if scratching his own belly, a pose reminiscent of Napoleon’s iconic stance.
Future Projects and Availability
Christina Hess has a prolific list of future projects for “Animals From History.” She is currently working on a pit bull portraying Bessie Coleman and has plans for a skunk as Mary Shelley, kiwi birds as the Wright Brothers, a Greyhound as Frank Lloyd Wright, and a deer and wolf duo representing John Smith and Pocahontas, among others.
The “Animals From History” illustrations are available for viewing online at ChristinaHess.com and AnimalsFromHistory.com. Prints and a 2014 calendar are also available for purchase through her Etsy shop. Hess has postponed the release of an eBook version to refine the accompanying text, aiming for a publication next year with the help of her agent.
The project’s unique blend of art, history, and animal charm promises continued success, and we eagerly anticipate the upcoming book.
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