Revealed today: the Leitmotiv of a different kind of Wagner Cycle
As we rummaged today with the usual pleasure of unexpected discovery through the largest flea market in the world, I spotted this handsome bust, set amid rubble at an unlikely, out of the way stand. The dealer was sweet but had no idea who was the subject, and since my keen interest was evident she proposed that perhaps it might be Lincoln… or “quelque écrivain” (some writer). It is amusing now that I was wearing over my shoulder a bag, given to me by the Richard Wagner Society of New York after a conference, and clearly marked as such – that clue must not have been evident – and, being a shrewd shopper, said I simply didn’t know who it might be, but liked the shape of the statue. A price was proposed, Jacques offered to buy it for me, and in moments the statue was surrounded in layers of bubble wrap and on its way to a new home where it is GREATLY appreciated.
The statuette is signed by Raphael Nannini, the Florentine sculptor active in the early 20th century, made in Limoges, and of course is made of what is known as tender (unbaked) porcelain, called ‘biscuit’ in French. The delicate softness and the shades of white and pearly grey explain how I had the brilliant idea twelve years ago to propose that name for Jacques’ world-famous Persian silver kitten, now called ‘Biscuit’. It has nothing to do with cookies or shortbreads, but that would be cute, too.
Yesterday I was taking some shots of Biscuit, who had discovered what seemed to him at least the coolest place during the heat wave: flat on the wood floor, way at the foot of the piano. Because the spot is well shaded, I had set some precious photos of opera singers against the wall, out of the damaging direct sunlight. I thought it was nice that Dame Joan provides a welcome respite from life’s ordeals, not only for us music lovers, but for sensitive pets, too: “Hier sitz’ ich zur Wacht.”
