ROSA LUXEMBURG
17
hadn't told me that you were in Frankfort. What pleased me particu–
larly, was to confirm the extent of Rodin's feeling for nature, the reli–
gious respect that he shows for the least blade of grass growing in the
fields. What a superior being he must have been: open, natural, flow–
ing over with inner warmth and intelligence. He reminds me decidedly
of Jaures. Do you like Broodcoorens? Or do you know him yet? That
novel made a great impression on me. The descriptions of landscape
seem to me especially of great poetic power. Apparently Broodcoorens,
like De Coster, believes that in the beautiful country of Flanders. the
sun rises and sets more sple'1didly than in any other country in the
world. I have always noticed that the Flemish are literally in love with
their country; they describe
it
in terms more applicable to a shining
young fiancee than to a beautiful landscape. The dark and tragic
ending draws on with the color of the imposing scenes of
Till Eulen–
spiegel.
I am thinking particularly of the destruction of the town hall.
Don't you find that in their coloring these books are very reminiscent
of Rembrandt? The general effect of darkness, and blended with that
the entire gamut of gold and old gold, the terrifying realism of detail
and yet 'the impression of mystery and legend that stands out from
the whole?
I read in the
Berliner T ageblatt
that they are showing a new
Titian at the Friedrich-Museum. Have you seen
it
yet? I must tell
you frankly that Titian is not among my friends. He strikes me as hav–
ing too much virtuosity,
his
pictures seem to me too labored and too
cold.-Forgive me if I am committing a crime of lese-majeste, but
all I can do is to give rein to my impressions. That wouldn't prevent
my being very happy to be able to go with you now to the Fried–
rich-Museum to pay homage to the new guest. Have you seen the
Kaufmann bequest that is being so much talked about?
I am 'in the midst of various studies on Shakespeare, written
between 1860 and 1880, in the period when the Shakespeare problem
was still causing a good deal of debate in Germany. Could you get
for me, from the Royal Library or the Reichstag: Klein,
History of
Italian Drama;
Schack,
Hist'ory of Dramatic Literature in Spain,
and
the books by Gervinus and Vlrici on Shakespeare. What do you think
of Shakespeare? Write to me soon.
I
kiss
you and press your hand affectionately. Be calm and serene
in spite of everything! My dear Sonitschka, goodbye.
When will you come?
Sonitschka, would you do me a favor? Send some hyacinths to
Mathilda for
m~.
I'll
pay you back when you come
to
see me.
Yours, ROSA
