The fourth sign in the zodiac calendar, Cancer, is represented by the celestial crab, and those born under the sign (June 21–July 22) are the zodiac’s intuitive nurturers and empaths. This is the season of the feels.  

Cancers can sometimes get swept in the emotional world, but also move through the shores of material life with ease. And though they may have something of a hard exterior, those born under this sign are the ultimate caregivers.

Cancers are homebodies, for whom daily routine and creature comforts are the highest forms of love. Because of their love of domestic life, Cancers are sure to want to fill their homes with artwork—particularly with works that draw them back to special memories. But their intense emotionality comes with moody, evening brooding periods, which means Cancers are also likely to respond to artworks others may find challenging or dark.

Famous artists who were Cancers include Frida Kahlo, Gustav Klimt, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Marc Chagall. To celebrate the zodiac season, we’ve explored the Artnet Gallery Network to find artworks that celebrate the loving, moody, and sensual qualities that define this sign.

Jeanne Rosier Smith
Goodnight Moon
Susan Powell Fine Art
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Jeanne Rosier Smith, Goodnight Moon. Courtesy of Susan Powell Fine Art.

Bambou Gili
Captain Vhd Vhd’s Wife (2020)
Cassina Projects
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Bambou Gili, Captain Vhd Vhd’s Wife (2020). Courtesy of Cassina Projects.

Michael Kenna
Morning Bird Song (2002)
Galerija Fotografija
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Michael Kenna, Morning Bird Song (2002). Courtesy of Galerija Fotografija.

David LaChapelle
Sister Moon (2019)
Geuer & Geuer ART
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David LaChapelle, Sister Moon (2019). Courtesy of Geuer & Geuer ART.

Elodie Antoine
La crise d’appendicite (2014)
AEROPLASTICS Contemporary
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Elodie Antoine, La crise d’appendicite (2014). Courtesy of AEROPLASTICS Contemporary.

Christopher Tanner
Dragon Moon (2008)
Atrium Gallery
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Christopher Tanner, Dragon Moon (2008). Courtesy of Atrium Gallery.

Clive Barker
Crab and Three Oysters (2006)
Whitford Fine Art
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Clive Barker, Crab and Three Oysters (2006). Courtesy Whitford Fine Art.

Ken Price
Crabcup Miniature (1973)
Bernard Jacobson Gallery
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Ken Price, Crabcup Miniature (from eighteen small prints) (1973). Courtesy of Bernard Jacobson Gallery.

Robert Pruitt
Cry Baby (2020)
Courtesy of Salon 94
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Robert Pruitt, Cry Baby (2020). Courtesy of Salon 94.

Gunter H. Korus
Karkinos
Tilting At Windmills Gallery
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Gunter H. Korus, Karkinos. Courtesy of Tilting At Windmills Gallery.

Zhang Zhanzhan
Give me a Hug (2021)
Yang Gallery
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Zhang Zhanzhan, Give me a Hug (2021). Courtesy of Yang Gallery.

Felipe Posada
Tears of Giants (2019)
Guy Hepner
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Felipe Posada, Tears of Giants (2019). Courtesy of Guy Hepner.

Maisie Cousins
everybody’s pining for somebody (2017)
Galeria Hilario Galguera
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Maisie Cousins, everybody’s pining for somebody (2017). Courtesy of Galeria Hilario Galguera.

Besta Bestrizal
Evening Banquet (2020)
Primo Marella Gallery
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Besta Bestrizal, Evening Banquet (2020). Courtesy of Primo Marella Gallery.

Boris Dmitrievich Grigoriev
Fisherman and a Crab
ABA Gallery
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Boris Dmitrievich Grigoriev, Fisherman and a Crab. Courtesy of ABA Gallery.