Tuesday, 13 May 1879

Amélie's canvases — a study of old Fusco, painted at the same time as I made my first painting at the studio. An ordinary study. And an execrable portrait of a very common-looking gentleman. The armchair in Breslau's painting is poorly drawn; the woman looks as if she is clinging to it because it seems to lean toward the viewer. A pity. I mention Bonnat because he has truth in his work, and Breslau because I find that all her quiet tones sing. I cannot accept that Lefèbvre gives every one of his women the same toes — it irritates and infuriates me.
The afternoons of the whole week are devoted to the Salon, etc.
The first person we encounter is Blanc, who attaches himself to us as if nothing were the matter; but we soon shake him off and go to see the masterpieces with Madame Gavini, who makes rather amusing observations.