◇ Sumo Cat (2024) Original Oil Painting by Isabel Mahe

. . .

The sumo wrestler and the cat have some remarkable traits in common.

Their talent for balancing is legendary,
as is their tactical intelligence.

Faster than a snake,
and endowed with the precision of an eagle,
they give their opponent no chance.
Their lightning-fast attacks are explosive.

As for their flexibility — need we even mention it? — it is proverbial.
We marvel at the grace of their movements.

However, if we value our dignity,
we would be wise not to tickle them
when it isn't cuddle time.

That said, these natural feline abilities
do not come naturally to the Japanese wrestler.

It will take a human years of training,
discipline,
self-mastery
to attain such perfection.

And yet,
there is one quality in which the tomcat could never equal the sumo wrestler:
humility.

. . .

Isabel Mahe
14 aout 2026

. . .
Oil painting on plywood board.
Frame repainted matt black.

Materials used:

Oil painting on plywood

Details:

• Oil painting on Panel / Board / MDF
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 68 x 68 x 2cm (framed) / 56 x 56cm (actual image size)
• Framed and ready to hang
• Signed on the front
• Style: Expressive and gestural
• Subject: People and portraits