Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff

Zaïtchenko

Also known as: Zaïtchenko, Zaitchenko

Places · Churches
Show in diary 1 mention

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-07-06 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-04-18

Identity

Russian merchant who Marie previously referred to as "28" - her numerological admirer from church.

Diary References

1874

  • April 11: As "28" - stares boldly at Marie in church, forces Le Bec to change seats, wears green ribbon and decorations
  • April 18: Identity revealed as "M. Zaïtchenko," disappointing Marie and her mother who thought he was at least a prince. "Puisque ce n'est rien il n'est plus 28 mais simplement Zaïtchenko" (Since he's nothing, he's no longer 28 but simply Zaïtchenko).

Context

  • Russian merchant or similar class
  • Employs Palajka as chambermaid
  • Previously romanticized as "28"
  • Class disappointment - not nobility
  • Bold staring behavior at church
  • Marie's numerological system abandoned

Related Entries

Research Notes

  • Russian merchant class in Nice
  • Social mobility and assumptions
  • Numerology and romantic projection

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