Louise de Pillot de Coligny-Chantillon, 1881-1963. Cometesse
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Finding-Aid for the Coligny-Chantillon Papers [00170]Collection Description
Letters, 1914-1915
6 items
Access: Open
The French poet Guillaume Apollinaire, 1880-1918, met Louise de Pillot de Colingy-Chantillon in Nice in September 1914 and a an affair began almost immediately. “Lou” was a member of one of the most illustrious families in Europe, a descendent of the famous Admiral Colingy. She was initially amused and intrigued by the poet but gradually grew unimpressed. In frustration, Apollinaire joined the army and wrote her concerning his decision. Within a few weeks she would follow him to the barracks at Nice. Their correspondence reveals a passionate and erotic relationship, though it lasted but a few weeks. Still, they corresponded even after the break-up. The posthumously published Poèms á Lou have given us a revealing glimpse into the relationship as do the present letters. More information on met Louise de Pillot de Colingy-Chantillon may be found in the numerous studies of Apollinaire, particularly Guillaume Apollinaire, by Scott Bates, Twayne, 1987, pp. 46, 135.
The Chantillon papers include 6 letters between “Lou” and Apollinaire, in which she declares her love for him, quotes his poetry, and evinces an interest in flagellation.
Selected Names
Coligny-Chantillon, Louise de Pillot de, 1881-1963. Cometesse
Apollinaire, Guillaume 1880-1918. French author