The lives of Renoir's subjects in the iconic painting 'Pink and Blue' took a tragic turn, revealing a hidden history of art, war, and betrayal. This captivating tale, uncovered by Catherine Ostler in her book 'The Renoir Girls', sheds light on the fates of the two young girls, Elisabeth and Alice, who were immortalized in Renoir's masterpiece. What makes this story particularly fascinating is the contrast between the idyllic scene captured by Renoir and the tumultuous lives that unfolded for the Cahen d'Anvers sisters. In my opinion, this narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of historical events on individual destinies.
The painting, created in 1881, portrays the two young girls, Elisabeth and Alice, in a moment of innocence and joy. Their frilly white dresses, silk ribbons, and gentle expressions evoke a sense of purity and trust. However, the story behind this iconic image is far more complex. The girls were the youngest daughters of Louis and Louise Cahen d'Anvers, a wealthy Jewish family in Belle Époque Paris. The era was characterized by rapid scientific and technological advancements, as well as a flourishing of the fine arts. Louise, a renowned society beauty, hosted artists and writers in her salon and had a long affair with art patron Charles Ephrussi, who may have been an inspiration for Charles Swann in Marcel Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time'.
Ostler's book reveals the intricate web of relationships and events that shaped the sisters' lives. The painting itself holds a key mystery: the girls' father, Louis Cahen d'Anvers, was initially slow to pay Renoir for the portrait, possibly due to his dissatisfaction with the image of Alice. This raises a deeper question about the complex dynamics within the family and the potential impact of Ephrussi's influence. What many people don't realize is that the Cahen d'Anvers family was part of the Parisian elite, known as 'le gratin', and their lives were intertwined with the political and social upheavals of the time.
The Dreyfus affair, a pivotal event in French history, had a profound effect on the Cahen d'Anvers family. Jews had gained full rights as citizens after the French Revolution, but the Dreyfus affair fueled xenophobia and antisemitism. Louis Cahen d'Anvers, a banker, was part of the Jewish elite, and his family's status was affected by the affair. This historical context provides a backdrop to the sisters' lives and the challenges they faced.
Elisabeth, the elder sister, chose to become a Catholic in 1895, possibly influenced by her mother's affair with Charles Ephrussi and her own experiences with nuns after a riding accident. She married Comte Jean de Forceville, a Catholic aristocrat, and had a daughter, Audrey. Alice, on the other hand, married Charles Townshend, a British Army officer, and lived mostly in England. However, her life took a tragic turn during World War II. Alice, then 64, found herself cowering in a ditch with her grandchildren and lady's maid as the Luftwaffe flew overhead. The group managed to escape to Bordeaux and board a freighter bound for Britain, while Audrey chose to stay behind and work for the Resistance.
The story takes a devastating turn for Elisabeth. After the German occupation, she retreated from Paris, crippled by rheumatoid arthritis. She was cared for by a Gentile couple in a cottage in Juigné-sur-Sarthe, but her whereabouts were betrayed by the village mayor, an antisemitic individual. Elisabeth, aged 69 and infirm, was arrested and sent to Drancy, a collection point for Jews outside Paris. She was transported east and died in March 1944, just a few months before the liberation of Paris. Ostler's book provides a poignant account of Elisabeth's final days, highlighting the tragic fate of the once-innocent girls.
The painting 'Pink and Blue' itself has a fascinating journey. In 1939, it was included in a collection of French art organized by a Louvre curator and sent on a tour of the Americas. The portrait was eventually sold and ended up in the São Paulo Museum of Art, where it hangs today as a poignant relic of Belle Époque Paris. This painting, created nearly 150 years ago, serves as a timeless reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of art to capture and preserve moments of innocence and beauty.
In conclusion, Catherine Ostler's book 'The Renoir Girls' offers a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the lives of Renoir's subjects. It reveals the intricate connections between art, history, and personal destinies. The story of Elisabeth and Alice is a powerful reminder of the impact of historical events on individual lives and the enduring legacy of artistic masterpieces. From my perspective, this narrative invites us to reflect on the fragility of life and the enduring power of art to capture and preserve moments of beauty and innocence.
