Description

Ante Up by P. Buckley Moss

Content & Subject

Ante Up is a rare limited edition lithograph from P. Buckley Moss, featuring her iconic black cats in a playful and humorous scene. Two sleek, stylized felines sit opposite one another at a rustic round table, each with a hand of playing cards. Their sharp ears and mischievous expressions capture the sly wit that Moss often infuses into her cat imagery.

The humor lies in the cards themselves—hearts, clubs, spades, and diamonds—symbols of both play and chance. Moss uses this card game as a visual metaphor, reminding viewers of the balance between strategy, luck, and amusement in life. The scene is stripped down to its essentials: two chairs, a table, the cats, and their game. This simplicity emphasizes Moss’s folk-inspired minimalism while highlighting the clever interplay of character and gesture.

For collectors, Ante Up is not only a delightful piece of feline humor but also part of Moss’s broader commentary on companionship, competition, and the small joys of everyday life.

Style & Technique

Rendered in crisp black-and-white with subtle accents of red, Moss demonstrates her ability to capture narrative through restrained design. The strong silhouettes of the cats anchor the composition, while the pops of red in the playing cards provide both humor and visual focus.

The lithographic medium allows Moss’s bold lines to remain clean and striking, enhancing the whimsical character of the cats while maintaining a sense of sophistication. The chairs and table are simplified but recognizable, grounding the otherwise imaginative scene in a touch of rustic realism.

Mood & Inspiration

The mood of Ante Up is playful, witty, and lightly satirical. Moss’s black cats, often viewed as symbols of mystery and independence, here become stand-ins for human behavior. Their poker game mirrors our own moments of competition, strategy, and fun, transforming an ordinary pastime into a charming slice of Moss’s humor.

This artwork reflects Moss’s talent for blending folk art sensibilities with everyday humor—inviting viewers not only to enjoy the cats’ antics but also to reflect on the lighthearted, whimsical side of life.

Placement & Gift Ideas

Ante Up is a conversation piece, perfect for display in game rooms, offices, family spaces, or anywhere a touch of humor and charm is welcome. Its compact and uncluttered design makes it versatile for both contemporary and traditional interiors.

As a gift, it is especially fitting for:

• Cat lovers and Moss collectors

• Fans of humor in art

• Poker or card game enthusiasts

• Unique housewarming or friendship gifts

• Anyone who appreciates Moss’s whimsical side

Each limited edition print is signed and numbered as part of the publishing process, ensuring authenticity before release.
Includes a Certificate of Authenticity from Canada Goose Gallery, embossed with our gallery seal on a gold label. (see FAQs)

2008

Rare Art Print

Image Size: 5-7/8 x 4 inches. Paper Size: 8-1/2 x 11 inches.