Solominka (Mme Markevitch)

Research Status: Stub Last Updated: 2026-05-31 Diary Coverage: Carnet 005 (May–June 1873, Nice)

Overview

A Russian woman who lived with or lodged near the Bashkirtseff household in Nice in spring 1873. Her nickname "Solominka" (Соломинка) is Russian for "little straw" — an affectionate diminutive. Marie is very fond of her and calls her by this nickname throughout. She is referred to both as "Solominka" and "Markevitch" in the diary, confirming this is her surname. Marie calls her out when she makes a witty remark: "Solominka, tu es bête! vraiment bête!"

She is distinct from "la générale Markévitch" or other members of the Markevitch family who appear in later entries. This Solominka/Markevitch is described as a younger woman, a constant companion of the Bashkirtseff family in spring 1873 Nice. She departs Nice on June 15, 1873, traveling with the Berlikoff family under the care of Dr. Tchernikoff.

Diary References

• May 19, 1873 (005.0010): "j'ai appelé Solominka" — Marie calls for her; "Je l'aime beaucoup Solominka."
• June 1, 1873 (005.0146): "Solominka et Walitsky sont là" at Monaco.
• June 8, 1873 (005.0213): Mentioned as "Solominka" alongside Walitsky and Tchernikoff.
• June 12, 1873 (005.0254): "Tais-toi, Solominka, tu es bête!" — Marie swats her with a napkin.
• June 14, 1873 (005.0266): "Solominka" accompanies Dina to see a villa for sale.
• June 15, 1873 (005.0278): "Pauvre Solominka! Elle part!" — departs for Russia with the Berlikoffs.

Research Notes

Per Kernberger (2013), Mme Markevitch appears as part of the Nice Russian circle. The "Solominka" nickname appears exclusively in 1873 carnets. She is referenced as "Markevitch" in multiple 1873 entries where she says things about marriage and aristocracy. Not to be confused with MME_MARKEVITCH (the general's wife) if they are different individuals; context here suggests a younger woman, possibly the wife or widow of a man named Markevitch.