Around 1900 the growing middle class, the new employment opportunities for women, and the influx of immigrants led to the proliferation of ethnic eateries, which extended New York's dining culture beyond private homes, clubs, and exclusive establishments. Sloan (American, 1871–1951) noted in his diary in February 1909: "Felt restless so went to the Chinese restaurant and was glad I did for I saw a strikingly gotten up girl with dashing red feathers in her hat playing with the restaurant's fat cat. It would be a good thing to paint." Sloan's canvas, on which he worked from memory, may portray a woman of easy virtue, as her flamboyant attire and heavy makeup suggest. Yet, instead of any hint of reproach, Sloan conveys a light-hearted acceptance of her droll little performance as she feeds the cat while her slovenly companion feeds himself and two men look on with amusement.[Oil on canvas, 66 x 81.9 cm]
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