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Ewelina HanskaHonore de Balzac's wife
Date of Birth: 06.01.1801
Country:  Dive |
Content:
- Ewelina Hańska
- First Marriage
- Correspondence with Balzac
- Relationship and Widowhood
- Marriage to Balzac
- Inheritance and Legacy
- Relationship with Jean Gigoux
Ewelina Hańska
Ewelina Hańska was a Polish noblewoman and the wife of French novelist Honoré de Balzac. She was born in 1803 as Ewelina Rzewuska, the fourth daughter of Adam Stanisław Rzewuski and Justyna Rzewuska.
First Marriage
In 1819, Ewelina married Wacław Hański, a wealthy landowner and nobleman who was 17 years her senior. Hański was a prominent figure in Volyn, Ukraine, and owned a lavish estate known as "Volhynian Versailles."
Correspondence with Balzac
In 1832, Ewelina wrote an anonymous letter to Balzac, praising his literary talent but also criticizing his work. This began a decade-long correspondence between the two, in which Ewelina gradually revealed her identity.
Relationship and Widowhood
Ewelina met Balzac in person in 1833. Their romance intensified over the years, despite the fact that Ewelina was still married. Wacław Hański died in 1842, but Russian law prohibited Ewelina from remarrying a foreigner or taking her wealth abroad.
Marriage to Balzac
After transferring her estate to her daughter, Ewelina was finally able to marry Balzac. They were wed on March 14, 1850, in Berdychiv, Ukraine. Five months later, Balzac passed away from lung cancer.
Inheritance and Legacy
Balzac left Ewelina as his sole heir. Despite the debts attached to his estate, she chose to pay them off, losing most of her personal wealth. Ewelina established her residence in Paris and maintained a close relationship with her daughter and son-in-law.
Relationship with Jean Gigoux
In 1851, Ewelina met and began a long-term affair with French painter Jean Gigoux. Their relationship lasted until her death in 1882.
