Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of July 16, 1874

Overview

After a day of business letters and an awkward coffee visit, the evening becomes more atmospheric with a singer’s appearance. Wagner is then caught by the sight of a portrait of Cosima made during their separation, and the memory moves him deeply enough to tears.

Content

Thursday, July 16:

Wrote some business letters, then in the afternoon went to a coffee party in Frau v. Braun’s house, for me a somewhat strange experience. In the evening the singer Alexis.

When all have gone, R. looks at the picture of me in his folder, which was done at the time when we were separated: “It is all like a dream, and yet when I think back to the times this picture reflects, I feel moved to tears.”