Pauline Polaire: The Mysterious and Extravagant Life of the Belle Époque Star
Discover the story of Pauline Polaire, the eccentric and enigmatic actress who marked the Belle Époque with her unique style and talent.
Pauline Polaire: The North Star of the French Stage
Adopting the stage name Pauline Polaire (“polar star”), the artist shone as a singer and dancer in music halls . She was even portrayed by Toulouse-Lautrec on a magazine cover in 1895 and was a frequent subject among great artists . Among those who immortalized her in their works were Antonio de La Gandara, Leonetto Cappiello and Rupert Carabin .
Childhood and First Steps in Career
Born Emelie Marie Bouchaud on May 14, 1874 , Pauline had ten siblings , only four of whom survived infancy . Her father died of typhoid fever when she was only five years old , and for the first few years, she and her siblings were sent to live with their grandparents while her mother tried to save the family business. Her mother remarried , and there are reports that her stepfather molested young Emelie .
At sixteen , she moved permanently to France , where she met her brother Edmond . Her debut as a singer took place on the stage of La Cigale , and, in 1891 , she already had her first successes .
Artistic Ascension and Recognition
In 1895 , the magazine Le Rire published a drawing by Toulouse-Lautrec depicting Polaire on stage. At this time, she began to take an interest in acting after identifying with characters in novels she read. In 1902 , she made her debut at the Bouffes-Parisiens in the play Claudine , written by Lugné-Poe and Charles Vayre .
After one hundred and twenty performances , it was clear that she was born for the stage . Colette herself praised her performance and, according to some biographers, tried to get closer, even having an affair with Polaire .
The Peak of a Career and International Success
The following year, Pauline played Friquet , a young acrobat secretly in love with a man seduced by a rich woman. In despair, Friquet committed suicide . The play was such a success that in 1913 it was adapted for the cinema by Maurice Tourneur . Unfortunately, no scenes from the film have been found, although some websites claim that some sequences still exist .
The actress toured Europe and America , where she was presented as an exotic woman . Her performances, however, proved that her talent was undeniable . Back in France, she brought luxurious gifts from admirers , but despite having earned a lot of money, it was not until 1911 that she bought a mansion that had belonged to Madame Tallien .
Polaire did not manage his finances well , spending excessively and developing a gambling addiction .
The Great War and the Decline
During World War I , Polaire wanted to help the wounded on the battlefield, but she decided against it after friends warned her that her generosity could be misinterpreted . During this time, many theaters and concert halls closed , and she began to perform in neighborhood theaters , for reduced fees. Her performances, however, were frequently interrupted by air raids .
Later Years and Legacy
According to IMDb , Pauline appeared in 37 film productions , many directed by Maurice Tourneur . However, none of her scenes have been preserved . Her last film appearance was in 1935 .
With debts accumulating , her house was seized by the French authorities in 1928. Suffering from depression and having lost much of her fortune, Pauline Polaire died in 1939 , at the age of 65 , in Champigny-sur-Marne, Val-de-Marne, France . She had no children.
The Impact of Pauline Polaire
Polaire’s success was not only due to her talent , but also to the originality of her performances . Petite, almost breastless, with a waist of just 45 centimeters , she helped popularize the ideal of an hourglass figure . Her dark skin and intense black eyes gave her figure a sensual air .
As a cabaret singer , she wore short skirts and very short hair , a style that would only become fashionable in the 1920s . Complementing her look, she applied heavy eye makeup , inspired by the Arabic style .
Pauline Polaire was, without a doubt, one of the most striking figures of the Belle Époque, leaving a legacy of boldness and talent that still inspires artists today.
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