Show Notes
Announcing Season 2, this mini-episode features Purrquoise, a bright turquoise porcelain cat that was made in China in the 1700s and has traveled the world ever since. Now that he’s made himself at home in Los Angeles, he’s ready to pitch his script all about the storming of the Bastille and the French Revolution.
Of course, if he can’t get that movie made, he’s still excited to announce that If Objects Can Talk returns this fall with ten more stories from adventurous, luxurious—and sometimes very silly—objects, including Purrquoise himself!
Feeling inspired to celebrate Bastille Day? Learn more on our website and in our listening guide! Visit: https://www.getty.edu/podcasts/if-objects-could-talk/introducing-season-two/
For more art history insights, check out our other Getty Podcasts shows at www.getty.edu/podcasts OMMM: Our Museum Mindfulness Meditation is part art history, part guided meditation: https://www.getty.edu/podcasts/ommm/ Recording Artists tells artist biographies using archival material from the Getty Research Institute: https://www.getty.edu/podcasts/recording-artists/ ReCurrent chronicles the people who shape our culture and keep the past alive: https://www.getty.edu/podcasts/recurrent/ Art + Ideas showcases interviews with artists, architects, scientists, and cultural luminaries by former Getty President Jim Cuno: https://www.getty.edu/podcasts/art-and-ideas/
Through its programs—Getty Conservation Institute, Getty Foundation, Getty Museum, Getty Research Institute, and Getty Trust—Getty shares and advances the world’s visual art and cultural heritage, both in Los Angeles and throughout the world. Learn more about all we do for art on our website: Getty: https://www.getty.edu/ Getty Conservation Institute: https://www.getty.edu/conservation/ Getty Foundation: https://www.getty.edu/foundation/ Getty Museum: https://www.getty.edu/museum/ Getty Research Institute: https://www.getty.edu/research/
More from If Objects Could Talk
It’s hard to stay awake when you’re a luxurious, fluffy, silk-covered bed! Our leading lady will try, though, as she reminisces about the many, many hands who worked hard to make her. From the carpenter and gilder (yes, a person whose job is just to turn her gold!) to the upholsterer, in 18th-century France, making a bed was exhausting work!
This great green dragon takes his position at the top of the clock very seriously. Accompanied by a monkey and a goose, these time guardians ensure there will be no “killing time” on their watch!
One giant blue orb dotted with stars, six griffins, 12 zodiac symbols, 18 candle holders, countless crystals—and even a bowl to fill with goldfish! Have you ever seen something so elaborate just hanging from the ceiling?
Why is The Vexed Man making that scrunched up face? Has he tasted a lemon? Smelled a skunk? Nope—that’s just his thinking face!
As soon as he arrived in Los Angeles, Purrquoise, the turquoise cat, was a star. But this charismatic kitty traveled a long way to get here! Made in China in the 1750s, he moved by ship to France, where he padded around with the rich and famous—like Madame de Pompadour, noted companion of King Louis XV—as well as those who served them. After a few centuries there, he traveled across the Atlantic and settled in at the Getty Museum in 2024.