This work portrays an ancient Roman mosaic depicting a cat catching a bird. The striped cat, with a light coat and dark spots, is represented in a lifelike pose, holding an elaborately plumed bird between its teeth and paws, likely an exotic or ornamental bird.
The Romans also viewed cats in terms of mythical symbolism. Cats were thought to embody independence and freedom. In fact, cats were the only animals allowed inside Roman temples. The Roman goddess Libertas is often depicted with a cat. There are also several tales of the goddess Diana transforming into a cat. It seems that being a cat had its privileges in the ancient empire.
