Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of September 17, 1876

Overview

I spent a long day touring churches, museums, and streets with the children, finding real beauty in a few paintings and in places like San Fermo and San Zeno, though much of the Renaissance copying left me cold. The children stayed lively, but R. was unwell, and I remained with him in the evening after declining Countess Pianell's invitation.

Content

Sunday, September 17:

Set out on a sightseeing tour with the children at half past nine, back at 6 o’clock. First the museum, a deeply moving Crucifixion by Jacopo Bellini, a portrait by Masaccio, and a Holy Family by G. Bellini. Then Campo Santo, uninteresting, then San Fermo again with much delight, then breakfast with the children on the Piazza dei Signori.

Then, inquiring of R., I learn that Countess Pianell, wife of the commandant, called and requests our company in the evening; pay a call to present our excuses. After that S. Bernardino, little pleasure in the Chapel of San Michele or, indeed, at all in Renaissance copied from the Romans. San Zeno again, Sunday school, children screaming as if possessed. The cathedral, San Giorgio once again, and as far as the steps of the Palazzo Maffei. The children lively and cheerful. R. unfortunately unwell. Stay with him in the evening.