The Women in Chopin's Life

Justyna Chopin neé Krzyżanowska (1782–1861) came from a moderately well-off nobility. While spending time in Żelazowa Wola – belonging to her relatives, the family of Skarbek – she met Mikołaj Chopin, whom she married in June 1806.

They had four children, three daughters – Ludwika, Izabella and Emilia, and son Fryderyk. She was very religious, modest, remaining in the shade of his husband. However, she constantly taught children the traditions and developed their talents.

She always kept memorabilia after Fryderyk. When the composer left Warsaw in 1830, she met him only once, in 1835 during the holidays in Karlsbad. In her letters, she showed her care for the son living in Paris. As it appeared, she lived 12 years longer than he did.

The oldest sister of Fryderyk – Ludwika (1807–1855) was talented in music, similarly to her brother. She also wrote didactic books and popular texts. From all the siblings, Ludwika was the closest one to Fryderyk, she also kept in touch with George Sand, whom she met in Nohant in 1844. 

In August 1849, when asked by her brother, she went to France again and stayed with him until his passing away. After it, she started putting in order the case of his heritage and preserving his legacy. Asked by Fryderyk, she took his heart in secret to Poland, putting it at the basilica of the Holy Cross in Warsaw.

Chopin’s younger sister – Izabella (1811–1881) yet in her childhood was talented in writing, she also early became engaged in undertakings of a patriotic and charitable character. She was actively engaged with helping the poor, working in many institutions, such as almshouses or orphanages.

After the death of her sister Ludwika and mother Justyna, Izabella took care of Fryderyk Chopin’s heritage. However, she never wanted to use her rights to it. After the death of Izabella, Varsovian press published several notes about her, highlighting her selflessness, affection for her family, diligence and generosity.

The youngest of the siblings of Chopin – Emilia (1812–1827) from the very first years of her life was talented in music and writing. Despite her poor health, she was a very cheerful and active girl. Together with Fryderyk, she organised the children ‘Literary-entertaining association’, in which together with other children they recited and played theatrical scenes. 

In spite of the attempts of the medicine, Emilia’s illness – tuberculosis – developed fast and she spent her last months in the bed. However, she did not lose her usual gentleness, accepting her own destiny. An early death of 15-year-old Emily was very painful for the family of Chopin.

In fact Aurora Dudevant nee Dupin (1804–1876), a French writer, one of the most famous women of the epoch, in the years 1838–1847 Chopin’s partner. The author of over 70 novels and novellas, over twenty plays and many essays. She became famous thanks to the courageous topics and independent lifestyle, crossing the borders of the social standards of the time.

Fascinated by Chopin and his music, she succeed in gaining Fryderyk’s attention, who finally gave up the plans to marry Maria Wodzińska. 

Solange Clésinger nee Dudevant (1828–1899) was a second child of George Sand. Her difficult, rebellious character and whimsical behavior were one of the reason for her turbulent relation with her mother. She quickly became friends with the composer, who understood and supported her, he also taught her piano playing.

In 1847 Solange, despite her mother will, married sculptor Auguste Clésinger. The conflict between the mother and the daughter and constant support and financial help of Chopin also were one of the reasons for his breakup with Sand.

Delfina Potocka (1807–1877) was a well-educated, comprehensively talented aristocrat, famous for her outstanding appearance and beautiful voice. She lived in different places of Europe, including a long episode in Paris. Delfina and Chopin met probably during the composer’s stay in Dresden in November 1830.

Biographers and friends of Chopin, after his death, suggested a deeper relation between him and Potocka. However, there are no hard proofs for it (apparent correspondence full of affection was a forgery). Without doubt, there was a close friendship between them.

Pauline Viardot neé García (1821–1910), a French opera singer of the Spanish origin, as well as composer and pianist, student of Franz Liszt and Fryderyk Chopin. She belonged to the closest circle of friends of Chopin and George Sand; many times, she visited the family manor of Sand in Nohant.