“An der Esplanade, in der nähe des Theaters, hatte sie eine Wohnung gemietet; sie wird als äußerst geschmackvoll eingerichtet beschrieben, mit warmen Teppichen, seidenen Vorhängen, großen Spiegeln und schönen Mahagonimöbeln. Hier traf man sich schon bald regelmäßig, unterhielt sich beim Tee, zeichnete, spielte Klavier und sang dazu.“Weimar 1806. The widow Schopenhauer moved to Weimar with the express intent of carrying on a 'salon' which would be frequented by Goethe, knowing that contact with this famous man would insure eternal fame. She was right. At this moment Goethe married his maiden, Johanna was the first to 'invite' Christiane to tea. By this small action she gained Goethe's eternal gratitude.
Art, music, conversation; all were required elements of a good upbringing in German/European/American upper-class society at this time. The exchange of personal sketches was part of every-day life. Certainly gifting a Stuart portrait was ....beyond compare....
In the current slow-down of this economy, should we try to get back to these basics? YES!
Painting "Johanna und Adele Schopenhauer" is by Johanna's personal friend Caroline Bardua. Quote (my translation) "On the esplanade, near to the Theatre, she rented an apartment; it could be described as being decorated extremely tastefully, with warm carpets, silk draperies, large mirrors and beautiful furniture of mahogany. Soon all would meet here regularly, talking over tea, drawing, playing piano as well as singing." from Weinachten bei Goethe Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt Stuttgart Munchen 1999, p. 82
No comments:
Post a Comment