What a difference a preposition makes.
In my book Cat Lady Chronicles, I have brought together reproductions of cats from diverse museum collections worldwide. And what about certain cats who live literally in museums as opposed to those who historically have come alive on canvas?
Several museum registrars tipped me off to a fascinating New Yorker blog post this week by Sally McGrane about cats living in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg—specifically, cats who hang out in the museum’s basement, several floors below where the famed collections are displayed. Extraordinarily dedicated museum employees care for these previously undomesticated, nearly starving creatures.
Cats roaming the halls of museums are taboo, for obvious reasons. But cats featured in art that hangs on the walls of prestigious galleries is a different matter altogether.
Take, for example, one of Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin’s genre scenes, The Washerwoman (c. 1733–39). Recently discovered by Toledo Museum of Art curator Lawrence Nichols, who made his "out-of-sight" find in a private collection in France, this small painting is described by critic and independent curator Karen Wilkin as a wonderful example of “Chardin’s magic.” What attracts me to the painting most? The well-fed calico cat, of course, who appears to be dutifully protecting his Cat Lady.
Long live the cat-and-museum connection, whether downstairs or upstairs.
Query of the Day: Would this painting be complete without a cat up front?
What were the odds that E.L. James—yes, that E.L. James—would be signing copies in Houston of her hugely successful books on the same night that a Cat Lady was signing copies of her debut book, Cat Lady Chronicles?
I am not angry with the Master Scheduler of Book-Signings. It’s good to face the competition head-on. I was very grateful to be hosted by Jeanne Jard and Mike Jones at the River Oaks Bookstore, where I was delighted to meet a hard-core group of Cat Ladies. Each has a soft spot in her heart for felines, and, as was the case at The MFAH Shop, I loved signing copies for their cats.
And, for those in search of something slightly naughty, well, there are two naked ladies in my book. Tastefully and artistically naked, that is. Here is Félix Vallotton’s Laziness (La Paresse), a woodcut dated 1896, from the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Query of the Day: Coming soon, Sexy Shades of White Cats?
Yes, I’m sure “It’s Good to Be the King,” but I can report—with a certain degree of authority—that it’s good to be a Cat Lady today!
Thank you, Houston, for launching Cat Lady Chronicles. We had a terrific turnout for this past Saturday’s program, when Cat Ladies and Cat Men dodged torrential rain to pledge their allegiance to cats.
I want especially to thank Marco Jellinek, my publisher, at Officina Libraria, and my distribution team at the Antique Collectors’ Club: John Brancati, Sudha Dunienville, Jennifer Burch, and Patrick Kanaley. It has been a great privilege collaborating with them to tell my story, which, in turn, is already prompting people to share their tales of their beloved cats.
I wasn’t at all surprised to inscribe so many books in the names of caregivers’ cats. I hope JoJo and Mr. Whiskers and Gracie and many others are enjoying a gentle read as I write. Needless to say, I assured Lucius that he remains Number 1 and gave him the first signed copy of my book. Did I have a choice?
Finally, I was particularly grateful for the comment that one young woman made when she approached me to sign a copy of her book. I am paraphrasing here: “I used to be embarrassed to call myself a Cat Lady, but you have given me a brand-new perspective.”
Photo credit: © 2012 JIH
Query of the Day: Have you shared your “I love cats” testimonial with me yet? It's time!
Yes, it’s official, the baby has been born and was delivered to Houston!
I am excited to write that copies of Cat Lady Chronicles are on sale now at The MFAH Shop of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Here I am with my friend and colleague Bernard Bonnet, the bookstore's expert buyer.
Watch for lots of book promotions soon, many coming to a social-media platform near you.
Meanwhile, please keep those cards and good wishes coming. I am very grateful and, just like a cat, am lapping up the attention.
Query of the Day: Have you marked your calendar for my Museum District Day program this Saturday at 2:00 p.m., at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston? Pets on leashes are not permitted in the auditorium, but unleashed Cat Ladies are most welcome!
While the Democrats hold their convention this week and size up the competition, I’m doing some opposition research of my own. Not surprisingly, mine deals with cats—specifically, books about cats.
The good news is that, for all of us cat lovers, there are a lot of new books on the market—at all price points and on multiple platforms. The bittersweet news for me, personally, is that Cat Lady Chronicles must compete with Julia’s Cats and Henri, le Chat Noir. How to go up against two legends?
It’s too late to introduce an alternative cover for my book. Let’s face it: Diane’s Cats would probably go nowhere on the sales charts, although I, too, like to wear a cozy cardigan (à la Julia) and could be persuaded to pose with any one of my ten photogenic cats. As for the angst- and ennui-ridden Henri, well, the always tormented Lucius would win that battle hands-down.
Perhaps the best way to enter the marketplace is simply to hold my head high and to repeat my favorite mantra: I am proud to call myself a Cat Lady. Gourmet cooks and caregivers of high-maintenance felines are encouraged to read my book and, I hope very much, will relate to what I have to say about cats. On the universally popular subject of cats, I feel certain we are bonded for life, and I don’t anticipate finding any protestors on the floor.
Query of the Day: On average, how many books about cats do you buy each year?
