Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of July 15, 1873

Overview

The day is quiet and monotonous, with irritation over the house but some relief in the painter’s courteous letter. A comic anecdote about the barber’s supposed Italian origin lightens the mood, exposing how easily names and identities can be mistaken or invented. The evening returns, as usual, to reading.

Content

Tuesday, July 15:

Monotony of life, coupled with much vexation about the house. The painter Hoffmann writes in a sensible and courteous way; it seems he has finished his sketches. In the evening, Uhland.

For amusement, the day belongs to R.’s barber, who said he was of Italian origin. His family was originally named Schnabisauf; the name is in fact Schnappauf! The Italian Schnabisauf makes us laugh a lot.