This is a famous conversation that Stein had with Hemingway. An old Italian man had made a pass at Hemingway (he was a good looking young man) and he complained to Stein about it. She took the time to speak very knowledgeably about homosexuality - particularly her distain for certain acts. Of course, she was in a long-term Boston marriage but it never coopted her common sense. She was also a rock-ribbed Republican who loved America and loathed communism.
She was a genius in many of her writings and she and Leo were visionary in their knowledge and promotion of modern art.
The Gestapo almost destroyed her priceless Paris art collection when she was in exile in Vichy land. Fortunately, they got distracted by her wardrobe. Neighbors peeking into the apartment saw Gestapo members trying on her clothes. True story!
ok, that is fascinating, I did NOT know that Stein was not a democrat or socialist!
So I guess there are now “several” things that I like about, ahem, her.
Actually I guess I’m only down to one thing that I do not like about her and that is her “marriage”....other than that, a cool lady.
Personally, I’m a Matisse man.
And yes, many others picked up his banner later, and maybe they would have regardless. But she and Leo were some of the first, and for that, we must be grateful.
Thanks for that extra info. Very interesting!!!