Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of January 25, 1874

Overview

The children are sobered by attending a funeral, while professional news from Hoffmann adds more uncertainty and questions about commissions. She admires R. for remaining buoyant under pressure, and their shared walk and evening study give the day a gentler tone, with the landscape and their companionship briefly outweighing the surrounding strain.

Content

Sunday, January 25:

The children attend the funeral of poor Prof. Ott and are very solemnly impressed by it. Prof. Hoffmann writes that people are jamming his studio to see the sketches. He also asks about the commission for them. How and what is one to reply?

I have to admire R. for remaining so cheerful amid all the depressing worry and uncertainty. He keeps telling me that it is I who keep him on his feet, which always makes me want to say an Ave Maria!

We go for a walk together, the avenue leading to the Eremitage, delight in the pretty scenery, much peace and merriment in the fields. In the evening, India.