Disappointing news, ailurophiles. The verdict is in, and the winner of the coveted position on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, London, has been named.

I am very sorry to have to tell you that it is NOT the glorious (and feline) Believe in Discontent (see Blog Post Friday, March 1st). Splendid though all the other entrants were, I was sure that the black cat would triumph. Belvedere and I can only conclude that some of you did not cast your vote in time. Or at all. A missed opportunity. 

The winner is Lady in Blue by American artist Tschabalala Self, an impressive piece but very lacking in cat. It will ascend to the plinth in 2026. The competition also pinpointed the work to go up in 2028. Untitled, by Romanian artist Andra Ursuta, is a shrouded figure riding a horse; there may be a cat, of course, but it is not visible. 

For some consoling examples of cats and artists, take a look at Artistic Cats, part of Clowder’s Creative Cats series.