Marie Bashkirtseff (From Childhood to Girlhood) By: Marie Bashkirtseff (1858-1884)
Marie Bashkirtseff's autobiography, "From Childhood to Girlhood," presents readers with a rare glimpse into the remarkable life of a talented artist, capturing her experiences from a young age until the threshold of her adulthood. Bashkirtseff's uncensored narrative offers an intimate and unapologetic portrayal of a woman's journey towards self-discovery amidst the constraints of societal norms. From the onset, readers are captivated by Bashkirtseff's precociousness and fervent passion for the arts. Her lyrical and vivid descriptions transport us to 19th century Ukraine, where her story commences. Whether it is her early fascination with poetry or her encounters with likeminded intellectuals, her words are imbued with an infectious enthusiasm for life and a determination to conquer the world on her own terms. Throughout the book, Bashkirtseff's unyielding determination to achieve greatness is palpable. As she navigates society's expectations and limitations imposed upon women, her quest for artistic excellence and intellectual fulfillment becomes all the more poignant. Her relentless pursuit of self-improvement and her unwavering dedication to her craft serve as an inspiration to readers of all backgrounds and generations. Bashkirtseff's unflinching honesty and candid self-reflection are perhaps the book's most striking features. She fearlessly shares her deepest insecurities, fears, and desires with her readers, inviting us into the inner workings of her mind and soul. Through her introspective passages, we witness her grappling with questions of self-worth and the relentless pursuit of perfection. This vulnerability lends her narrative an unfiltered authenticity that is both refreshing and emotionally raw. Moreover, the author's keen observational skills translate into rich and nuanced portrayals of the people who shaped her life, both positively and negatively. Her relationships with family, friends, and mentors offer a unique insight into the joys and struggles of the time. The book serves not only as an exploration of her individual journey but also as a reflection of the societal and cultural dynamics of the era. However, some readers may find themselves frustrated by the occasional meandering quality of Bashkirtseff's narrative. At times, her stream of consciousness seems to lack a clear through-line, making it difficult to discern the overarching purpose or theme of certain chapters. Nevertheless, this idiosyncratic aspect of her writing also adds to the charm and authenticity of her voice, ultimately contributing to the overall appeal of the book. "From Childhood to Girlhood" is undoubtedly a compelling read, offering a multifaceted perspective on the life of a woman driven by her art and an indomitable spirit. Bashkirtseff's words transcend time and place, resonating with readers today as a testament to the universal human experience and the eternal quest for self-expression and fulfillment. This book is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, lovers of history, and anyone seeking inspiration from an extraordinary woman who defied societal constraints and left an enduring legacy. First Page: [Illustration] MARIE BASHKIRTSEFF (From Childhood to Girlhood) TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH BY MARY J. SAFFORD PREFACE THE SOUL OF A LITTLE GIRL Marie Bashkirtseff, beginning at twelve years old, wrote her journal ingenuously, sincerely, amusing us by her whims, thrilling us by her enthusiasms, touching us by her sufferings. We have gone through these note books bound in white parchment, slightly discoloured, like the winding sheet in which sleeps a memory, and have already gathered a volume, precious, not because it describes such an entertainment or such an event, but because it reveals the mentality of a young girl. This time we have been especially interested by the first books, written in a large, unformed hand, dashing, variable, following the successive impressions of a changeful, sensitive nature. Very few documents exist concerning children, in whom the nineteenth century alone began to interest itself. In fact the real personality of the child is very secret, for it distrusts these comprehensive and authoritative beings, "grown up people." And it hides its ironical observations, its dreams, all the ardour of its little soul. Children play. They have built, with sand and twigs, a fantastic world peopled with their familiar toys: a grey cloth elephant, a multi coloured duck as big as that white plush bear... Continue reading book >>

Marie Bashkirtseff (From Childhood to Girlhood) By: Marie Bashkirtseff (1858-1884)

Marie Bashkirtseff's autobiography, "From Childhood to Girlhood," presents readers with a rare glimpse into the remarkable life of a talented artist, capturing her experiences from a young age until the threshold of her adulthood. Bashkirtseff's uncensored narrative offers an intimate and unapologetic portrayal of a woman's journey towards self-discovery amidst the constraints of societal norms.

From the onset, readers are captivated by Bashkirtseff's precociousness and fervent passion for the arts. Her lyrical and vivid descriptions transport us to 19th century Ukraine, where her story commences. Whether it is her early fascination with poetry or her encounters with likeminded intellectuals, her words are imbued with an infectious enthusiasm for life and a determination to conquer the world on her own terms.

Throughout the book, Bashkirtseff's unyielding determination to achieve greatness is palpable. As she navigates society's expectations and limitations imposed upon women, her quest for artistic excellence and intellectual fulfillment becomes all the more poignant. Her relentless pursuit of self-improvement and her unwavering dedication to her craft serve as an inspiration to readers of all backgrounds and generations.

Bashkirtseff's unflinching honesty and candid self-reflection are perhaps the book's most striking features. She fearlessly shares her deepest insecurities, fears, and desires with her readers, inviting us into the inner workings of her mind and soul. Through her introspective passages, we witness her grappling with questions of self-worth and the relentless pursuit of perfection. This vulnerability lends her narrative an unfiltered authenticity that is both refreshing and emotionally raw.

Moreover, the author's keen observational skills translate into rich and nuanced portrayals of the people who shaped her life, both positively and negatively. Her relationships with family, friends, and mentors offer a unique insight into the joys and struggles of the time. The book serves not only as an exploration of her individual journey but also as a reflection of the societal and cultural dynamics of the era.

However, some readers may find themselves frustrated by the occasional meandering quality of Bashkirtseff's narrative. At times, her stream of consciousness seems to lack a clear through-line, making it difficult to discern the overarching purpose or theme of certain chapters. Nevertheless, this idiosyncratic aspect of her writing also adds to the charm and authenticity of her voice, ultimately contributing to the overall appeal of the book.

"From Childhood to Girlhood" is undoubtedly a compelling read, offering a multifaceted perspective on the life of a woman driven by her art and an indomitable spirit. Bashkirtseff's words transcend time and place, resonating with readers today as a testament to the universal human experience and the eternal quest for self-expression and fulfillment. This book is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, lovers of history, and anyone seeking inspiration from an extraordinary woman who defied societal constraints and left an enduring legacy.

First Page:

[Illustration]

MARIE BASHKIRTSEFF

(From Childhood to Girlhood)

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH BY MARY J. SAFFORD

PREFACE

THE SOUL OF A LITTLE GIRL

Marie Bashkirtseff, beginning at twelve years old, wrote her journal ingenuously, sincerely, amusing us by her whims, thrilling us by her enthusiasms, touching us by her sufferings.

We have gone through these note books bound in white parchment, slightly discoloured, like the winding sheet in which sleeps a memory, and have already gathered a volume, precious, not because it describes such an entertainment or such an event, but because it reveals the mentality of a young girl.

This time we have been especially interested by the first books, written in a large, unformed hand, dashing, variable, following the successive impressions of a changeful, sensitive nature.

Very few documents exist concerning children, in whom the nineteenth century alone began to interest itself.

In fact the real personality of the child is very secret, for it distrusts these comprehensive and authoritative beings, "grown up people." And it hides its ironical observations, its dreams, all the ardour of its little soul.

Children play. They have built, with sand and twigs, a fantastic world peopled with their familiar toys: a grey cloth elephant, a multi coloured duck as big as that white plush bear... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – Marie Bashkirtseff
Wikipedia – Marie Bashkirtseff (From Childhood to Girlhood)

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