Mme Soukowkine

Overview

A Russian lady in Rome in the winter of 1876, introduced by the archimandrite: «la femme la plus aimable et la plus laide du monde» (053.0034). She has a daughter (053.0122, 053.0327). The Mon Journal t.10 index lists «Soukowkine (M.), 151» and «Soukowkine (Mme), 151» for 071.0088. Not identified outside the diary.

Relevance to Marie

• She brings the Bashkirtseffs «une triste nouvelle»: they may ask to be presented, «mais l'ambassade peut refuser» (053.0192); she had asked whether one could be presented «sans avoir le droit d'entrée à la cour de Russie» (053.0195). Marie soon detests her: «Prétentieuse, ennuyeuse, cancanière, omnisapiente» (053.0493), and blames her for encouraging Maman's timidity towards the Yxkulls (053.0473).
• Her daughter, «Mlle Soukowkine», takes a lesson at Katorbinsky's studio when Marie visits (056.0389; Mon Journal t.7 index «Soukowkine (Mlle)»); the glossary entry covers the family.
• Florence, May 1877: the Soukowkines stand for the Russians who travel as accepted members of society: «si on y allait comme les Mechtersky, les Soukowkine» (071.0088).

References in Diary

• 1876: 053.0031, 0034, 0122, 0192–0197, 0327, 0392, 0473, 0493, 0512; 054.0159, 054.0559; 056.0389, 0390
• 1877-05-01 (071.0088)