I was wondering if she was from Koeln. I thought I recognized the railroad bridge in one of her series "By the Rhein". I also am currently living not far from there.

Well said about the language. I am an American currently living in Germany. Although its embarassing for me to not speak the language, I am currently in a Deutschkurs and am trying to learn. Learning multiple languages makes you a better person and will eventually make my life here easier.

Here's hoping that we will see the beautiful Marianne in person while visiting Koeln someday.