The Cats of the Hermitage

When I saw that headline, I assumed the story would be about cats in paintings. I was pretty excited, since lots of dogs appear in masterwork paintings. But cats?

The beauty of a headline is just that: it’s a headline, designed to grab attention. Somewhere between the headline and the text, you can get a whole new story.

The real story was better. We find out how today’s Russian “imperial” cats solve the mice and rat problem at the Hermitage Museum. Quite honestly, I’d never thought of it, but it must be an awful problem, especially with the wet climate of St. Petersburg. I’ve had mice gnaw my Haydn String Quartet scores before and that was bad enough. The thought of them getting to a Renaissance gem stored in the cellars—let’s not even go there!

Except these cats have it solved. We read such practical solution in many a story including Dick Whittington and his Cat, one of my childhood favorites. But there are other antics of cat heroism and perspicacity worldwide in fairy and folk tales. How about that bold hero of Puss ‘n Boots!

So viva the mousers! But what about cats in paintings? Well, there are many lovely depictions, including one of my favorites by Marguerite Gérard (1761-1837) called The Cat’s Lunch (Le Déjeuner du Chat)—the forerunner to our cat-food commercials today, no doubt!

But somehow today I find myself thinking more about the idea of 80 cats running all over the passageways of the massive Hermitage. And what do you think of those luxury accessories like sleeping baskets and lounging areas? Especially when you recall how workers in museums world wide make little money and play the essential (unseen) heroic role. I’m guessing that much of the veterinary care comes out of their pockets.

So three cheers for these four-legged aristo-cats who mouse to protect art and then doze in luxury. And kudos for those who care for them.