The more they stay the same.
(Click for big.)
This image is from an illuminated manuscript that dates to around the year 1310, about 700 years ago. With a bit of a wardrobe change it could be any spindler and her cat today.
That cat looks just like my Gracie, who is a spindler, too--just like her ancestress.
Oh, so funny and so true! Not the nun bit, but the cat launching itself at the spindles - I have had to give up spindling at home for the duration (around four years, I should think!) Barni in particular can hurl himself around corners if I risk the attempt and he and the spindle go flying.
Posted by: carol | June 30, 2008 at 10:15 AM
ROFLMAO I love your sense of humor. And, it is so true for oh-so-many facets of life, it is not?
Posted by: marta | June 25, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Wonderful! I have a story I've written, sort of a kidlit bit, about a weaver and her magic cat; this would be a perfect illustration! I love the look on the spinster's face, how often have we knitters looked that way? (And thank you for this one, it IS the best of the litter)
Posted by: dale-harriet in WI | June 25, 2008 at 12:33 AM
How do you find these things! This is really neat. Any idea how the Latin translates? (I guess it's Latin) I love the kitty, it can be argued whether it is helping or hindering?
Posted by: danana | June 24, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Hmmm - maybe he uses his claws as a tensioning device. How can I train Charlie????
Posted by: Sharon | June 24, 2008 at 01:28 AM
LOVE!!!!
(dashes off to retrieve ball of yarn from Fred the cat...)
Posted by: Diane H K | June 23, 2008 at 09:17 PM
My favorite picture you've had!
Posted by: Tan | June 23, 2008 at 02:52 PM
That is SUCH a sweet picture. One of my very favorites so far!
What happened to the whorl, though?
Posted by: Beth S. | June 23, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Change of wardrobe??? Looks like me: cold morning, robe, nightgown and shawl.
Mojo, however, is not striped.
Posted by: Sara | June 23, 2008 at 01:08 PM
What a treat to find this this morning. I'm e-mailing to my daughter. . . . Thanks. . . .
Posted by: Deborah Robson | June 23, 2008 at 12:26 PM
This is fabulous! I must show Mason.
Posted by: Carole | June 23, 2008 at 06:51 AM
Fabulous! I am amazed to see a sense of humor in illuminated manuscript art.
Posted by: Laurie | June 23, 2008 at 06:36 AM
Too funny! Love it!
Posted by: Manise | June 22, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Her dress seems almost gauzy, a little see-through. Do you think that was artistic license by a sexually repressed monk? Or did they really wear clothes that thinly woven?
Posted by: LaurieM | June 22, 2008 at 09:29 PM
I laughed out loud. :)
Posted by: Janice in GA | June 22, 2008 at 09:01 PM
But does Gracie play with spindles like that? That would be a bad habit in a spinner's cat.
Posted by: Cassie | June 22, 2008 at 05:15 PM
That illustrator must have either been a spinner with a cat, or found some special pleasure watching spinners and cats interact. ;)
Posted by: Andrea (noricum) | June 22, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Wonderful!
Posted by: Sylvia | June 22, 2008 at 03:06 PM