Julius Adam (1852–1913), affectionately known as "Katzenadam" (Cat Adam), was a renowned German painter who became the world’s foremost specialist in feline portraiture. Born in Munich into a storied dynasty of artists, Adam initially trained in his father’s photography studio in Rio de Janeiro before returning to Germany to study under masters like Michael Echter and Wilhelm von Diez at the Munich Academy. While he began his career with landscapes and genre scenes, a shift in 1882 toward animal subjects brought him international fame. His work belongs to the Naturalism movement of the late 19th century, characterized by an extraordinary ability to capture the soft textures of fur, the playful curiosity of kittens, and the soulful expressions of feline companions. Adam’s paintings, such as "The Proud Mother" and "Kitten Symphony," were highly sought after by the growing middle class and remain beloved by collectors today. Translating a Julius Adam painting into a counted cross stitch design allows you to recreate these intimate domestic scenes with incredible detail. Each stitch brings to life the warmth of a sunlit parlor and the whimsical spirit of his subjects, making it the perfect project for cat lovers and fans of Victorian-era charm.