Acqua Viva
Basic Information
Acqua Viva (meaning "Living Water" in Italian) was the Bashkirtseff family's former residence in Nice, which they had occupied before moving to the despised Villa Baquis in 1873. The villa represented everything that Villa Baquis was not - elegance, proper social standing, and respectability.
Significance in Marie Bashkirtseff's Life
Acqua Viva held deep emotional significance for Marie:
- Symbol of Lost Status: Represented the family's former, more prestigious position in society
- Object of Nostalgia: Marie refers to it as "notre chérie, bien-aimée, adorée Acqua Viva" (our dear, beloved, adored Acqua Viva)
- Standard of Comparison: Everything at Villa Baquis was measured against the superior accommodations at Acqua Viva
- Source of Grief: The loss of this residence brought Marie to tears
The move from Acqua Viva to Villa Baquis represented more than just a change of address - it was a tangible sign of the family's declining fortunes and social position.
Historical Context
Villa names in Nice often reflected the romantic sensibilities of the era. "Acqua Viva" suggests a property with notable water features - perhaps fountains, a view of the sea, or proximity to one of Nice's streams. Such villas were typically located in the more fashionable districts and would have had proper reception rooms, gardens, and accommodations suitable for entertaining society.
Mentions in the Diary
- September 29, 1873: Marie mourns "notre chérie, bien-aimée, adorée Acqua Viva" with tears in her eyes
- September 29, 1873: Used as a contrast to the hated Villa Baquis
- Referenced as a symbol of what the family has lost
Related Entries
- #Villa_Baquis - Their current, despised residence
- #Nice_Society - The social world that judges by addresses
- Social decline of the Bashkirtseff family