Masterpiece Painting: Persian Kittens Playing Tea Party Signed By Agnes Augusta Talboys Rwa (British, 1863–1940)

Masterpiece Painting: Persian Kittens Playing Tea Party
Signed by Agnes Augusta Talboys RWA (British, 1863–1940)
Circa 1910
Overview
An exceptional Edwardian oil painting depicting Persian kittens gathered around an elegant tea service. This charming and highly collectible work combines narrative appeal with refined technique, characteristic of Talboys’ most sought-after period in the early 20th century.
Subject & Medium
Oil on canvas
Title: Persian Kittens Playing Tea Party
A delightful animal composition portraying six Persian kittens engaged in a whimsical tea party scene. The painting balances playful storytelling with academic precision, reflecting the popularity of feline subjects in Edwardian Britain.
Composition & Technique
The composition is set across a green-draped table, carefully arranged to create movement, balance, and visual engagement.
To the left, two grey kittens play within a wicker basket, contrasted by a third kitten pausing and gazing outward, creating a direct connection with the viewer. At the centre, a reclining white kitten interacts with a delicately painted cup and saucer, while a second white kitten sits upright behind, adding height and compositional structure. To the right, a grey kitten peers from behind a teapot, forming a charming focal point.
Talboys’ brushwork is soft yet controlled, particularly in the layered rendering of fur, where tonal variation creates depth and texture. The porcelain tea service is executed with fine precision, offering crisp detail that contrasts with the softness of the kittens.
The colour palette is notably refined, with luminous silvery greys and soft whites set against a darker background. The rich green tablecloth anchors the composition, while blue-and-white porcelain introduces subtle decorative highlights.
Historical Context
Painted during the height of the Edwardian period, this work reflects the era’s fascination with domestic animals and refined interiors. Persian cats were considered symbols of taste and sophistication in early 20th-century Britain.
Talboys’ feline paintings from this period are among her most desirable works, representing a time when animal painting gained recognition as a serious and collectible genre.
The canvas retains its original Winsor & Newton, London supplier’s stamp verso, confirming the use of high-quality artist materials and supporting its early 20th-century origin.
Artist
Agnes Augusta Talboys was a British painter associated with the Royal West of England Academy. Renowned for her highly detailed and characterful depictions of cats, she built a strong reputation during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods.
Her works, particularly Persian kitten compositions, remain highly collectible and continue to perform well in the international art market.
Signature
Signed by the artist in a manner consistent with her known works. The presence of a clear, original signature enhances authenticity and collector value.
Dimensions
Framed: Height 64 cm × Width 89.5 cm × Depth 4 cm
Canvas: 46.5 cm × 73 cm
Frame
Presented in a recently fitted Larson Juhl Prague moulded gilt wood frame. The frame complements the period character of the painting and enhances its decorative impact within an interior setting.
Provenance
Original Winsor & Newton, London prepared canvas
Private collection
Clevedon Salerooms, Bristol – Interiors Sale, January 2025
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Key Features
Original Edwardian oil painting, circa 1910
Highly desirable Persian kitten subject
Signed work by a recognised British animal painter
Strong decorative appeal for traditional and contemporary interiors
Refined colour palette with excellent tonal balance
Original period canvas with supplier’s stamp
Proven auction history and established provenance

Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured for secure delivery.
Additional Information
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a highly decorative and collectible Edwardian animal painting by an established British artist. Works of this quality and subject continue to attract strong demand among collectors and interior designers alike.

Condition report:

Condition
Presented in fine used condition. The original unlined canvas shows age-related foxing, staining, and craquelure consistent with period materials. Minor historic retouching is visible in background areas. The paint surface remains stable and visually attractive. The frame is recent with minor handcrafted variations.