Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat

Demure Queen Determined cat

Oxenbury’s illustration really focuses on the action of the rhyme by choosing to cut out the background and presenting only a partial image within an oval frame. It is interesting to note that there is color and detail within the oval but only a black and white sketch of the mouse who has broken from the frame. One might gather from this picture that the queen is modest and demure. Her feet are elevated but crossed allowing the animals to escape from beneath the throne. In many other pictures the queen is pictured in unladylike positions: standing on her chair, toppling over, or legs wide apart. The ringed fingers, crossed legs, and centrally positioned green shoes all point to the cat with the strange but determined look on his face.