A Pre-WWII Apartment In Paris Surprises Auctioneers

Paris – The City Of Love

Paris is one of the most romantic and beautiful capitals of Europe. It has a vivid history and lively architecture. For that reason, it was a target of several conquests, starting from the Vikings and moving to the Nazi Blitzkrieg during WWII.

Between the First and the Second World War, Paris grew and became one of Europe’s culture and economic focal points. In the end, France was a victor in WWI.

Elitist Apartments

At the end of the 19th century and throughout the 20th century, Paris became an attractive city for artists, courtesans, and people who loved fun.

Separated into 20 arrondissements, which stand for districts, the 17th, 18th, and 19th were considered elitist.

During this period, famous cabarets were opening their doors for the first time. Additionally, the Montmartre’s Moulin Rouge house was one of the landing marks for the Parisian Belle Epoque.

Marthe De Florian Living In Paris

One of the most recognized courtesans of the 1920/the 1930s was Marthe de Florian, born to Henriette Eloise Bara and Jean Beaurignon on September 9, 1864.

At the time of her birth, Paris was split into 20 districts, with Marthe and her family living in the 18th.

Near to Montmartre Hill, it was thought to be the most attractive arrondissement to live in. Still, Marthe de Florian wasn’t satisfied living in just one place but was attracted by the idea of moving around.

Moving Into A Parisian Apartment

Soon after her parents died, Marthe left the 18th arrondissement and moved to the center of Paris. She found a beautiful and lavish apartment that met all of her needs.

In the end, she was still young and willing to try out everything that Paris offered.

According to the reports, she was among the most famous Paris courtesans and thus had significant earnings. It allowed her to support her exclusive lifestyle and provide everything needed for her children.

Who Were Marthe’s Parents?

Her birth book suggests that Henriette Eloise Bara and Jean Beaurignon were both successful people. They had their small painting dealership, which made them a lot of money and allowed them to invest in an apartment at the 18th arrondissement.

It seems that Marthe picked up a lot from her parents, and although she didn’t continue the painting business, she was an accomplished woman. By the age of 30, most Parisian artists and influential people knew Marthe.