Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Friday, 16 November 1877

I went to visit poor Schaeppi at a boarding house on the avenue de la Grande Armée. A perfectly artistic garret room — and of a cleanliness that makes it almost seem opulent.
Breslau lodges there, along with several other budding artists. Sketches, studies, a host of interesting things. That artistic contact alone, that atmosphere alone, does one good... I cannot forgive myself for not knowing as much as Breslau... The trouble is... I have never gone deeply into anything in my life; I know a little of everything, and I am afraid of doing the same here... but no: the way I am going at it now, it will be serious. Having not done a thing before does not mean one is bound to never do it at all. At every first time I am sceptical.