Summary.A drawing of a cat and kittens under standard conditions was collected from about 1,200 normal school children aged 5–14 years. Thirty boys and thirty girls of similar intelligence were selected from each year of age. Their drawings were then scored on various objective measures, such as the area filled and the number of colours used. Significant differences were found between the two sexes, among younger children: the girls tended to produce more ‘mature’ drawings than the boys. Complex age trends were found, several measures showing a regression to a more childish style of drawing after the age of 11–1