The Fascinating Love Life of Natalie Barney

 

The Fascinating Love Life of Natalie Barney:

A Lesbian Icon of the Early 20th Century

Natalie Clifford Barney (1876-1972) was more than just an American expatriate living in Paris; she was a cultural icon, a literary muse, and an unapologetic advocate for women’s rights and lesbian love in an era when such topics were often considered taboo. Known for her literary salon, which attracted the greatest writers and thinkers of her time, Barney’s personal relationships were equally compelling and influential. They left an indelible mark on her life and work.

Natalie Clifford Barney was born on October 31, 1876, in Dayton, Ohio. From a young age, she exhibited a strong sense of independence and a rebellious spirit. Her family’s wealth allowed her to travel and receive an education that was liberal for its time.

Raised in a cosmopolitan environment, Barney was exposed to literature, art, and progressive ideas from a young age. Her mother, Alice Pike Barney, was an artist, and her father, Albert Clifford Barney, was a railroad magnate, providing Natalie with both financial stability and cultural enrichment. It was during her teenage years that Barney began to explore her sexuality, embracing her attraction to women.

Eva Palmer: First Love

Barney's first significant relationship was with Eva Palmer, whom she met in 1893. Palmer, an American dancer and classicist, shared Barney’s passion for the arts. Their relationship was a formative experience for Barney, shaping her understanding of love and companionship between women. Though their romantic relationship eventually ended, Palmer remained a lifelong friend and an enduring influence.

Renée Vivien: The Tragic Poetess

One of Barney’s most well-known and tragic relationships was with the British poet Renée Vivien. They met in 1900 and quickly fell in love. Vivien, known for her melancholic poetry, found in Barney both a muse and a passionate lover. Their relationship was intense but fraught with difficulties, including Vivien’s struggles with depression and substance abuse. Despite Barney’s efforts to support her, Vivien’s self-destructive tendencies ultimately led to their separation. Vivien’s death in 1909 deeply affected Barney, inspiring her to continue promoting the works of women writers.

Liane de Pougy: The Courtesan and the Muse

Another significant relationship in Barney’s life was with the famous French courtesan and writer, Liane de Pougy. Their affair began in 1899 and was widely publicized, partly because de Pougy wrote a novel about their relationship, “Idylle Saphique,” which thinly veiled their identities. Their romance, while short-lived, was passionate and influential, further cementing Barney’s reputation as a bold and charismatic figure in Parisian society.

Romaine Brooks: A Lasting Partnership

Barney’s longest and perhaps most stable relationship was with the American painter Romaine Brooks. They met in 1915 and maintained a romantic and creative partnership that lasted for over fifty years. Brooks, known for her portraits of androgynous women, found in Barney both a subject and a muse. Their relationship was characterized by mutual respect and a deep intellectual connection. They maintained separate households but were emotionally and artistically intertwined throughout their lives.

Literary Salon: A Haven for Women

Barney’s home in Paris became a renowned literary salon, where she hosted some of the most prominent writers, artists, and intellectuals of the time, including Colette, Gertrude Stein, and Djuna Barnes. The salon was not only a cultural hub but also a safe space for women to express themselves freely, both intellectually and sexually. Barney used her influence to support lesbian writers and artists, fostering a community that celebrated women’s creativity and love.

Legacy and Influence

Natalie Barney’s relationships were not just personal affairs but were intrinsically linked to her broader mission of promoting women’s rights and lesbian visibility. She lived openly as a lesbian, challenging societal norms and advocating for sexual freedom long before the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Her courage and dedication left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations to embrace their identities and pursue their passions without fear.

Natalie Clifford Barney’s life was a testament to the power of love, art, and defiance. Her relationships with women were profound and multifaceted, influencing her literary work and the lives of those around her. By living openly and fearlessly, Barney paved the way for greater acceptance and recognition of lesbian love in literature and society. Her story is a reminder of the enduring impact of those who dare to live authentically and passionately, regardless of societal constraints.