Sidonie Gabrielle Colette Collection

Colette (1873-1954) acting with Paul Franck in La Zingara, c. 1900 (b/w photo)
CHT163609 Colette (1873-1954) acting with Paul Franck in La Zingara, c. 1900 (b/w photo) by Moreau Studio (19th-20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Moreau Studio, 29 Bd des Italiens)

Colette (1873-1954) posing, 1909 (see also 215403) (b / w photo)
CHT215405 Colette (1873-1954) posing, 1909 (see also 215403) (b/w photo) by Reutlinger Studio (1850-1937); Private Collection; © Archives Charmet

Colette (1873-1954) posing, 1909 (b / w photo)
CHT215403 Colette (1873-1954) posing, 1909 (b/w photo) by Reutlinger Studio (1850-1937); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, France; © Archives Charmet

Postcard depicting Colette (1873-1954) and Willy (1859-1931) (b / w photo)
CHT215406 Postcard depicting Colette (1873-1954) and Willy (1859-1931) (b/w photo) by Gerschel, Charles (1871-1948); Private Collection; (add.info.: Willy, Henry Gauthier Villars)

Postcard depicting Colette and her husband Willy (b / w photo)
CHT163515 Postcard depicting Colette and her husband Willy (b/w photo) by Gerschel, Charles (1871-1948); Private Collection; (add.info.: Willy, Henry Gauthier Villars (1859-1931)

Colette (1873-1954) aged 5, 1878 (b / w photo)
CHT215400 Colette (1873-1954) aged 5, 1878 (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; eArchives Charmet; French, out of copyright

Willy (1859-1931) Colette (1873-1954) Sido (b. 1835) and Captain Colette at
CHT213297 Willy (1859-1931) Colette (1873-1954) Sido (b. 1835) and Captain Colette at Chatillon-Coligny, c.1895 (b/w photo) by French Photographer

Colette (1873-1954) acting in Reve d Egyptienne, 1907 (b / w photo)
CHT163607 Colette (1873-1954) acting in Reve d Egyptienne, 1907 (b/w photo) by Reutlinger Studio (1850-1937); Private Collection; eArchives Charmet; French, out of copyright

Colette (1873-1954) and Willy (1859-1931) at Belle-Ile, summer 1894 (b / w photo)
CHT215410 Colette (1873-1954) and Willy (1859-1931) at Belle-Ile, summer 1894 (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; eArchives Charmet; French, out of copyright

Colette (1873-1954) aged 15, 1888 (b / w photo)
CHT215435 Colette (1873-1954) aged 15, 1888 (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; eArchives Charmet; French, out of copyright

Colette (1873-1954) late 19th century (b / w photo)
CHT215417 Colette (1873-1954) late 19th century (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; eArchives Charmet; French, out of copyright

Colette (1873-1954) acting in Reve d Egyptienne, 1907 (b / w photo)
CHT163608 Colette (1873-1954) acting in Reve d Egyptienne, 1907 (b/w photo) by Reutlinger Studio (1850-1937); Private Collection; eArchives Charmet; French, out of copyright

Olympe Terrain, Colettes teacher at St. Sauveur en Puisaye
CHT215414 Olympe Terrain, Colettes teacher at St. Sauveur en Puisaye, late 19th century (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; eArchives Charmet; French

Portrait of Colette (1873-1954), c. 1905. Creator: Blanche, Jacques-Emile (1861-1942)
Portrait of Colette (1873-1954), c. 1905. Found in the Collection of Museu Nacional d Art de Catalunya, Barcelona

Collette, French novelist. Colette was the pen-name of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (1873-1954), who is best known for her novel Gigi (1944)

The Modern Woman, 1901. Illustration from The Process Year Book, A Review of the Illustrated Arts. published by AW Penrose & Co, (London, 1901)

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Sidonie Gabrielle Colette, known simply as Colette, was a remarkable French writer and actress who lived from 1873 to 1954. Her talent and charisma were evident even in her early years, as seen in the captivating black-and-white photo of her acting alongside Paul Franck in La Zingara around 1900. In another striking photograph from 1909, we see Colette posing with an air of confidence and allure. This image showcases her timeless beauty and magnetic presence that captivated audiences throughout her career. Colette's personal life is also glimpsed through vintage postcards featuring herself and her husband Willy. These snapshots offer a glimpse into their relationship, which played a significant role in shaping Colette's artistic journey. Despite facing challenges along the way, such as being caricatured under the pseudonym "Colette Willy, " she persevered and continued to make waves in the literary world. The cover of Marie-Claire magazine's 100th edition proudly displays Colette's name as editor—an achievement that solidifies her influence on modern culture. The roots of this extraordinary woman can be traced back to childhood photographs like the one taken when she was just five years old in 1878, and is clear that even at such a young age, there was something special about Colette that would blossom into greatness later on. Family ties are also evident through images featuring Willy, Sido (born in 1835), Captain Colette—her father—and herself together. These pictures provide insight into the support system behind this iconic figure. Throughout her life, both on stage and off it, Colette exuded passion for storytelling. In an enchanting photograph from 1907 during a performance of Reve d'Egyptienne (Dreams of an Egyptian Woman), we witness her dedication to bringing characters to life through acting.