Partner
Sibilla
Aleramo,
Eleonora Duse
Lina
Poletti (Ravenna, 27 August 1885 – Sanremo, 1971), born Cordula Poletti, was
an Italian feminist, often described as being beautiful and rebellious, prone
to wear men's clothing, and who is best known today for her affairs with
writer Sibilla
Aleramo and actress
Eleonora Duse. In the book, Le lesbiche nell'italia del primo Novecento
(Lesbians in Italy in the early twentieth century), Poletti is credited with
being one of the first women in Italy to openly declare her lesbianism,
without regret.
Her affair with Aleramo began in April 1908, when the two learned that they
shared the same feminist views and passion, after meeting at the First
National Congress of Women (Il Primo Congresso Femminile Nazionale) in Rome.
The relationship, often volatile, ended after one year. Traces of the topics
discussed between them can be found in the edited letters and diary entries of
Sibilla Aleramo who would go on to be one of Italy's leading feminists.
Aleramo's writings to Poletti have, in more recent years, been studied due to
their open minded views toward same-sex relationships. While Aleramo was
involved with Poletti she was also in love with a man, Giovanni Cena. Aleramo
expresses in her letters to Poletti that she never felt guilt for having loved
both of them at the same time. Poletti on her part, had written to Giovanni
saying that, by this passionate mélange, they were threatening Sibilla's
mental health.
In 1909 Poletti met and became involved with Eleonora Duse, at the time a
popular stage actress. The two moved in together in a house located in
Florence, Italy. There is indication that the affair was passionate, but
volatile, and after two years Poletti ended the relationship. Duse was
depressed for a time afterward.
Little is known as to what happened to Poletti following the end of her
affair with Duse.
My published books:
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- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lina_Poletti