Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of April 9, 1875

Overview

I spent the day moving between art, social visits, and the school, buying a gift for Loldchen, admiring Antonello da Messina and Botticelli, and enjoying the kindness of the Pusinellis. The children's good behavior was reassuring, but it only sharpened the uneasy feeling that they may not truly belong to this world, and I ended the evening worn down yet still writing to them.

Content

Friday, April 9:

Went out early to buy a present for Loldchen tomorrow; then to the gallery, indescribable impact of a Saint Sebastian by Antonello da Messina and of a Botticelli. Affecting encounter with other old friends. Breakfast with the Pusinellis, the good people! Cordial atmosphere.

At 2 we drive to the school, the children make a good impression; but how strange this world: will they feel at home in it? Left at 5:15. It was necessary, but necessity is hard. Around 7 to Frau Wesendonck, with whom I spend a friendly evening; she finds me worn out and aged. Returning to my room late, I wrote to the children.