A cat made of porcelain so it won't meow at love
This couplet is arguably the most difficult part of Lenzi's poem to understand. Obviously, in such a place as our pisito on Corrientes, and with the furnishings as described earlier and later, one does expect paintings and ornaments here and there for atmosphere; and equally that probably they are of as high a quality as the rest of 348. But of all these ornaments, why did the porcelain cat attract the poet's attention more than any other ornament?
Examples of Royal Worcester, Crown Derby, Coalport, Doulton, and
Copeland figurines (including two cats) available at the time from Maple & Co.
In the 2006 documentary Media luz, cámara, acción produced by the Universidad Católica of Montevideo, Natalia Espasandín, student of Communications and one of the documentary's directors, was asked "Why a cat made of porcelain?". Her interpretation was that it was Mr. Lenzi's way of introducing himself directly into the lyric by using the cat as a metaphore for himself. "The cat," she opined, "is a nocturnal animal, elegant and quite a rogue. And this much too could be said of Sñ. Lenzi: a "gentleman", a ladies' man and an enchanter.
This photo of a porcelain cat has been contributed by a friend in Montevideo who wishes to remain uncreditied. I have been assured that it was purchased from Mueblería Maple, Buenos Aires in the early 50s and that at the time of purchase, my friend's mother was assured that it was at least 35 years old.