Well, possibly, but I think we might be justified in thinking that the lady known to her friends and not inconsiderable number of enemies as Alma Maria Schindler Mahler Gropius Werfel (yes, she got around) finds the Maestro's obsession with her late (first) husband just about as tiresome as she found the composer himself by the time he conveniently shuffled off this mortal coil back in '11.
Yes, I do believe we're safe in saying that this is a picture of a widow (twice over, actually; Gropius she divorced) napping, possibly even snoring lightly, happy in the knowledge that not a soul will dare to say a word about it (not to mention perfectly content in her sables, false fringe, and continuing notoriety-by-association). She's probably dreaming of what Bernstein's excellent cook will whip up for the after-party; she looks like someone who enjoyed a toast point and a glass or two, no?
Are we certain that isn't William Bendix?
ReplyDeleteOh, Bill, it's been years since I've been certain of anything. I suppose Werfel could have gone for Bendix, but i don't see Gropius that way at all...
ReplyDeleteYou know, the talent of snoozing off in public without being obvious is an art form, really. I've been working at it for years.
ReplyDeleteI worked with the Japanese for 15 years. They were masterful at sleeping during meetings while looking merely deep in thought.
ReplyDelete15 years? My God - I managed three. Fascinating place, and if nothing else I did enjoy being tall. And you're quite right, they're masterful clandestine snoozers. Almost AlmaMahlerian, really...
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