I went out early, bought a gift for Loldchen for tomorrow; then to the gallery, where I was profoundly moved by a “St. Sebastian” by Antonello da Messina[1] and a painting by Botticelli[2]. Moving reunion with other old friends. Breakfast at the Pusinellis’, the good people! Pleasant atmosphere.
At 2 o’clock, the journey to the school; a good impression that the children will do well there, though this world feels so foreign—will it ever become familiar to them? … At 5:15, a farewell. It was a necessity; the necessity is what makes it hard. Around 7, I went to Frau Wesendonck’s, where I spent a pleasant evening. She says I look worn and older. Returned home late, and still wrote to the children.
[1] “St. Sebastian” by Antonello da Messina (c. 1430-1479), an Italian painter influenced by Early Netherlandish painting, known for his portraits, altarpieces, and landscapes.
[2] Sandro Botticelli (1444/45-1510), Italian painter from the humanist circle around Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins.