Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of June 20, 1874

Overview

The diarist accompanies the Countess to the station and then spends the day largely in Lenbach’s company, reflecting on his character with genuine admiration. Family news, local visits, and the concern that Richter cannot move around freely all give the day a mixed feeling of warmth, departure, and obligation.

Content

Saturday, June 20:

In dull weather accompanied the charming little Countess to the railroad station. Is anyone happy? Spent the rest of the day with Lenbach. My father writes that Hans has 150,000 francs set aside for the children. Visit of Herr v. Gersdorff to my father. Friend Feustel was with us in the evening; he says that twenty families from Nürnberg have come to live here.

Sunday, June 21:

Spoke a lot with Lenbach about a lot of things, discovered in him a noble, selfless, unusually talented person; R. is also coming to like him, which makes me glad. Departure at four o'clock, which does not come easily to any of the three of us. Much with Richter, who is not allowed to move around.