Homeward-Bound from the Sea-Side
Artist: Louis Wain · 25 September 1901
Homeward-Bound from the Sea-Side: high-resolution image, free to copy
The original file is hosted by Wikimedia Commons, available without payment or an account.780 × 1,050 pixels.
Open high-resolution image on Wikimedia CommonsLouis Wain, The Sketch. Wikimedia Commons.
Free to copy. Reuse terms: Public domain. Image source and credits.
The complete story
The story About 1 minutes to read
Four cats ride in a cart pulled by two dogs, returning from the seaside. The scene gives a family outing a chaotic, comic ending.
The cart is small and the cats are crowded into it. One holds a whip, another waves a flag, and the dogs pull with different expressions. The white space around the drawing keeps the action light.
Wain was a regular contributor to illustrated papers, where his cats commented on ordinary British leisure. The seaside outing was a familiar subject.
The image depends on the reversal of expectations: cats ride while dogs work. The humour is gentle and observational rather than satirical.
The story and its sources
Historical claims are linked to the records below. Close looking and interpretation are identified in the passage notes.
- Passage 1Article text
- Passage 2Article textWikimedia Commons: Homeward-Bound from the Sea-Side by Louis Wain (1860–1939).png
- Passage 3Article textWikipedia: Louis Wain
- Passage 4Article textWikipedia: Louis Wain
Artist portrait Image credit
Unknown photographer. Image source · Public domain
About the artist
Louis Wain
5 August 1860 to 4 July 1939
Wain was a British illustrator and painter best known for his anthropomorphic cats. Born in Clerkenwell, London, he trained at the West London School of Art and taught at Camberwell before building a career in illustrated papers, children's books and postcards. His cats move through theatres, clubs, shops and family celebrations, and his later patterned images have become some of his most discussed work.
- Born
- 5 August 1860
- Died
- 4 July 1939
- Nationality
- British
- Birthplace
- Clerkenwell, London, England
- Died in
- St Albans, Hertfordshire, England
Biography sources
The research & record
Study the work.
Follow the evidence.
Find catalogue details, historical context, technical research and the literature behind this artwork.
The artwork record
Research catalogue
Catalogue information and detailed research, with references that link to the bibliography.
Identity and catalogue
Link- Title
- Homeward-Bound from the Sea-Side
- Artist / attribution
- Louis Wain
- Date
- 25 September 1901
- Medium and support
- Printed illustration from The Sketch (after an ink and wash drawing)
- Dimensions
- Page illustration, dimensions not recorded
- Culture / place
- British
- Period
- Victorian and Edwardian illustration
Read valuation records and their limitations
Subject and iconography
LinkRead valuation records and their limitations
Visual observation
The cart is small and the cats are crowded into it. One holds a whip, another waves a flag, and the dogs pull with different expressions. The white space around the drawing keeps the action light.(Wikimedia Commons: Homeward-Bound from the Sea-Side by Louis Wain (1860–1939).png, n.d.)
Historical context
LinkRead valuation records and their limitations
The illustration appeared in The Sketch, Vol. XXXV, No. 452, on 25 September 1901, page 406.
Wain's cat world
LinkRead valuation records and their limitations
Wain was a regular contributor to illustrated papers, where his cats commented on ordinary British leisure. The seaside outing was a familiar subject.(Wikipedia: Louis Wain, n.d.)
Reading the image
LinkRead valuation records and their limitations
The image depends on the reversal of expectations: cats ride while dogs work. The humour is gentle and observational rather than satirical.(Wikipedia: Louis Wain, n.d.)
Details to carry with you
- Published in The Sketch on 25 September 1901
- Vol. XXXV, No. 452, page 406
- Printed illustration
- Cats in a cart pulled by dogs
Bibliography
Sources and further reading
References are arranged by author or organisation, with links to the original publications. Where no publication date is recorded, n.d. means no date.
Source notes updated .
No recorded sources match these filters. Reset the filters to see the full bibliography.
- 01
Image-record
Wikimedia Commons: Homeward-Bound from the Sea-Side by Louis Wain (1860–1939).png (n.d.). Wikimedia Commons.
Citation text
- 02
Secondary
Wikipedia: Louis Wain (n.d.). Wikipedia.
Citation text
Art to live with
Bring this painting
home.
A piece of the archive, made yours. Explore Homeward-Bound from the Sea-Side in a size and finish that fits your space.
Your text and annotations appear on these editions. Adding to cart saves that design for printing.
Combine this painting with your favourites01 / Find your edition
Made for you
Suggested from your location. Change it if you're sending elsewhere or using a VPN. Prices and delivery are shown in GBP.
0 products
Choose an edition to make it yours
No available products match your search. Try another product type or search term.
The 30 cm ruler is scaled alongside your selected print. Keep the painting’s proportions with a black background, or stretch it to fill. Frame width, material texture and screen colours are illustrative.
Keep exploring
