Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
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Saturday, 10 May 1879

My painting is not bad, and the tone not unpleasant. As for the composition, Julian found it very good in terms of expression, grouping, and composition — but poorly executed; he added, moreover, that in composition competitions one does not look to execution, which is quite understandable.
Our usual company (we receive on Saturdays now instead of Sundays) and in the evening the Princess takes me to the circus, where I amuse myself for several reasons. First because I feel I am looking my best; then because there was a charming comedy with dogs. And because Saturday is the fashionable evening; and then because I saw Blanc, Larderei with a kept woman, and a great many other notable figures. Monsieur de Tanlay, who is inseparable from Madame Basilevitch (a couple I always avoid), greeted me, and the lady as well, so I greeted them in return. It is a pity for Posterity that I...