Perhaps in her latter years, Marianne wanted a taste of what fame was like. She had lived long enough to see that occasional outings, though hard on her body, were good as creative fodder. She was also demonstrating that older women could be interesting, intelligent, and of value in a society that venerates youth. I think it's interesting that the media and culture also embraced her; perhaps she suggested to them the "wise old woman" archetype?
Perhaps in her latter years, Marianne wanted a taste of what fame was like. She had lived long enough to see that occasional outings, though hard on her body, were good as creative fodder. She was also demonstrating that older women could be interesting, intelligent, and of value in a society that venerates youth. I think it's interesting that the media and culture also embraced her; perhaps she suggested to them the "wise old woman" archetype?