Chapter 1 – Marianne’s illness

In the first week of April 1757, Marianne fell seriously ill with symptoms commonly attributed to pneumonia by her biographers. However, after the agony, her spine became to curve, a symptom which hardly fits the picture of such disease. Tuberculosis, another diagnosis preferred by biographers, although it may deform the bones, did not sound fully satisfying either. Luckily, I had the opportunity to consult a professor of pulmonology, who suggested that it may have been lung empyema. In an acute inflammatory process (which may very well be pneumonia), secretion gathers between the lung tissue and the inner surface of the chest, forming a thick lump, which, in severe cases and without appropriate treatment, may deform the posture, not to mention induce respiratory difficulties and stomach pain. Indeed, Marianne’s appearance over the years was described as ‘humpbacked’ and her digestion troubles, frequent cough and shortness of breath were often mentioned in her contemporaries’ correspondence.

Alongside the case she investigates, her experience of grave illness is the parallel motivator that triggers Marianne’s psychological transformation.