Eric Young

Period 3

1

Visual Rhetoric Analysis
In the portrait Cats Cradle, drawn by Henry C. Casselli Junior, I believe the intent of
the artist was to display Muhammad Alis extreme craftiness. The focal point of the portrait, the
authors emphasis on certain aspects of the portrait, and the authors use of color and texture to
create contrast help convey this craftiness of Ali.
When I first looked at the portrait I was drawn toward the string. Based on the portrait it
seems that the string is the focal point. It gives emphasis toward how long Alis wingspan
actually is, and in a way gives off a feeling of fear due to the realization of how massive or how
large Ali was. It can also be implied that Alis face is also a point of emphasis, as Ali looks very
calm and confident. The colors of the background (dark brown and black) sort of blend in with
the foreground color of Alis body (also brown). However, those colors contrast with the colors
of Alis shorts and gloves (white), possibly symbolizing a sense of yin-yang, an inner balance
within Ali which makes him a great fighter. This also supports the idea of Alis face looking
calm and collected because he too is in a state of balance or inner peace. The texture within the
portrait contrasts as well. The texture used on the string makes the string look delicate and frail;
while the texture used to draw Ali helps define his muscle tone and allows Ali to look very
powerful. This contrast helps make reference to Alis fighting style, Float like a butterfly, sting
like a bee."
Based on the information, it can be seen that Casselli used focal points such as the string
itself and/or Alis face to draw the attention of the viewer. From there he contrasted the colors of
the background (brown and black) and the colors of the foreground, his shorts and gloves (white)
to create a sense of balance within the portrait. Most importantly however, Casselli used the
Eric Young
Period 3

2

texture of the string and Ali himself to emphasize the difference between them. The string is
needed for the game, Cats Cradle, which is mesmerizing and requires finesse, while Alis
powerful and dominating figure shows strength and his commanding presence. This is all put
together to assert Alis nimbleness in the ring and admire his unorthodox method of boxing.