18th-Century Evolution: From Community Gatherings to Art Exhibits
In the world of art and antiques, the 18th-century bed that once belonged to Gilda Darthy, a Parisian music hall singer and stage actress, has recently come to light. This piece of furniture, with a well-documented history, offers a glimpse into the life and interests of a woman whose story has often been relegated to the sidelines of history.
The bed, now in the possession of a museum, retains the original upholstery in storage for researchers to examine. However, the lack of documentation about Darthy's art collection highlights the way history has traditionally treated women as secondary figures.
Darthy, known for her role as Roxanne in Cyrano de Bergerac, was not just a socialite or an actress, but also an art collector. Contemporary sources suggest that she had an interest in collecting art and antiques, but they focus more on her social life than her collecting practices or acting career.
The auction catalog from 1923, when Darthy sold the bed, contains various artworks such as paintings by Francois Boucher and Francesco Guardi, a sculpture by Francesco Ladatte, and decorative items like vases and gilt-bronze candlesticks. Yet, the erasure of women in the art historical record is illustrated by the treatment of Darthy, who was often linked to men in her life rather than being treated as an individual.
For instance, the record related to Darthy's bed from Duveen mentions "M. de Rothschild," likely referring to her famous lover, Henri de Rothschild, while omitting Darthy herself. This omission is emblematic of the way women's contributions to the art world have been overlooked and undervalued throughout history.
The newspapers only mentioned Darthy's art collection at the time of the auction in 1923. Photos of Darthy, taken by the Reutlinger studio, show her as a confident, stylish lady with an interest in fashion and 18th-century styles. These images, coupled with the auction catalog, offer tantalizing glimpses into Darthy's world, yet they are not enough to fully understand her art collection and its significance.
If you need verified details about her collection or private life, it might require consulting specialized historical archives on Parisian theater history, early 20th-century French arts, or possibly auction records and museum holdings where her collection might have been mentioned. Publicly available online resources do not appear to hold detailed data on these subjects.
The article about Gilda Darthy's bed was originally published by The Iris on March 24, 2021, under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. You can find the article on Matthew McIntosh's website. The article serves as a reminder of the importance of uncovering the stories of women like Gilda Darthy, whose contributions to the art world have been overshadowed by history.
In conclusion, the 18th-century bed owned by Gilda Darthy offers a glimpse into the life of a woman whose story has often been overlooked. The lack of documentation about her art collection highlights the need for further research to uncover the forgotten stories of women in the art world.
Darthy's intrigue in art extended beyond fashion and beauty, as her collection included pieces like paintings by Francois Boucher and Francesco Guardi, illustrating a more comprehensive interest in home and garden decor. Her personal style, as portrayed in the Reutlinger studio's photographs, also hinted at a passion for fashion and 18th-century aesthetics, another facet of her lifestyle that requires further investigation.
