In this podcast, Natalie Clifford Barney, an influential figure in Parisian society, talks about her life in France and the salon she established for artists and writers. The podcast also covers her friendships with Colette and Pierre-Louis, social acceptance of homosexuality in France, scandalous incidents at her salon, and her complex beliefs during World War II.
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Quick takeaways
Natalie Clifford Barney hosted influential salons in France, supporting women creatives and combating societal shame.
Barney actively promoted pacifism during both World Wars, hosting meetings and establishing an academy honoring women's contributions to literature.
Deep dives
Natalie Clifford Barney's Life in France
Natalie Clifford Barney moved to France and made it her permanent home. She hosted gatherings and parties, staged plays by famous authors, and even hired Mata Hari to perform at one of her events. Barney lived her life openly and proudly as a lesbian, defying the social norms of the time. She formed meaningful relationships with other women, including poet Lucy de la Roche and writer Colette. Barney's most well-known achievement was her famous Friday salons, where writers and artists gathered to discuss literature and support women's creative work.
Barney's involvement in activism and supporting women writers
Barney was vocal in her opposition to World War I and during World War II, she hosted pacifist meetings in her salon. She also established L'Académie de Femme, a women's academy, to promote and honor women's contributions to literature. Barney actively encouraged and supported women writers and artists, providing them with opportunities, resources, and recognition through her connections and influence. Her Fridays were not only literary gatherings, but a support group for lesbians to combat the societal shame and prejudice they faced.
Barney's complex politics during World War II
During World War II, Barney's beliefs and actions were complex and sometimes contradictory. She had earlier published poetry that perpetuated negative stereotypes about Jewish people, but she also used her wealth and connections to aid Jewish friends and others fleeing persecution. While in Italy, she was exposed to fascist propaganda, which influenced her political views and led her to express support for Italy's fascist government. However, Barney also played a role in supporting anti-Nazi efforts and attempted to advocate for the release of Colette's imprisoned husband.
Barney's final years and legacy
In her later years, Barney faced personal losses as many of her friends and former partners passed away. Attendance at her salons declined, and her relationship with Romaine Brooks fell apart. She eventually moved out of her longtime home and experienced health issues. Barney died at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of promoting women's creativity and LGBTQ visibility through her groundbreaking Fridays and her support for women writers and artists.
Part two of Natalie Clifford Barney week covers her life as a wealthy adult. She moved to France permanently, and established the salon which ran for 50 years and has become one of her most well-known efforts.
Research:
Barney, Natalie Clifford. “POEMS & POÈMES: autres alliances.” Paris and New York. 1920. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/49942/49942-h/49942-h.htm
Conliffe, Ciaran. “Natalie Clifford Barney, Queen Of The Paris Lesbians.” HeadStuff. 9/25/2017. https://headstuff.org/culture/history/natalie-clifford-barney-queen-of-the-paris-lesbians/
Craddock, James. “Barney, Natalie.” Encyclopedia of World Biography (Vol. 33. 2nd ed.). 2013.
Engelking, Tama Lea. “The Literary Friendships of Natalie Clifford Barney: The Case of Lucie Delarue-Mardrus.” Women in French Studies, Volume 7, 1999, pp. 100-116. https://doi.org/10.1353/wfs.1999.0007
“Natalie Clifford Barney.” Encyclopedia of World Biography Online. 2023.
Goodman, Lanie. “Wealthy, Scandalous and Powerful.” France Today. February/March 2020.
O’Neil, Shannon Leigh. “A Steamy Novel From ‘the Amazon.’” The Gay & Lesbian Review. March-April 2017.
Rapazzini, Francesco. “Elisabeth de Gramont, Natalie Barney's ‘Eternal Mate.’” South Central Review , Fall, 2005, Vol. 22, No. 3, Natalie Barney and Her Circle (Fall, 2005). https://www.jstor.org/stable/40039992
Ray, Chelsea. “Natalie Barney (1876-1972): Writer, salon hostess, and eternal friend. Interview with Jean Chalon.” Women in French Studies, Volume 30, 2022, pp. 154-169. https://doi.org/10.1353/wfs.2022.0012
Robertson, Kieran. “Amazon, Empress, and Friend: The Life of Natalie Clifford Barney.” Ohio History Connection. https://www.ohiohistory.org/amazon-empress-and-friend-the-life-of-natalie-clifford-barney/
Rodriguez, Suzanne. “Wild Heart: Natalie Clifford Barney and the Decadence of Literary Paris.” Harper Collins. 2003.
Washington Post. “This Was Love Indeed!” 5/7/1911. https://www.newspapers.com/image/19409771/
Wickes, George. “A Natalie Barney Garland.” The Paris Review. Issue 61, Spring 1975. https://www.theparisreview.org/letters-essays/3870/a-natalie-barney-garland-george-wickes