I just finished reading the book The Paris time capsule by Ella Carey, a breathtaking story of luxury, sophistication, love, and sacrifices that people living long ago had experienced. I recommend the book as a captivating reading, especially during a rainy day, like this past Saturday. It is as if you had stepped back in time and saw the world through the eyes of fascinating women.
Marthe’s flat was in the ninth arrondissement, on the Right Bank, in a colorful Paris, the Paris of writers, artists, and filmmakers. It was the time of the intellect and debauchery. Marthe de Florian lived during the Belle Époque—French for “beautiful era” between the end of the Franco-Prussian War and the start of World War I. This was a time of optimism, peace, technology, and, most importantly, the blossoming of literature, music, and the arts. Giovanni Boldini was the most renowned portraitist in his day. He was a lover of the woman he painted, the woman in pink: Marthe de Florian.
Though Marthe was what we would consider a courtesan, the more accurate title was demimondaine, which translates to “half-world.” She was no ordinary hooker, but an unusual breed. Demimondaines were known for their extravagant lifestyles, provided by rich and illustrious lovers; their clothing was envied by women in Paris. Even the richest high society women could not compete with them, although they had tried. Demimondaines were notorious for drinking, drug use, gambling, and excessive spending. Despite their status, they remained on the outside of the society before the WWI, perhaps the “half-world” label telling of their position.
Marthe de Florian’s apartment was unopened for seventy years, preserving astounding furnishings and a waft of perfume from the Paris of old times.
Carmen Monica Oprea 