Conte Moise de Camondo had it all. He was the scion of one of Europe’s wealthiest banking families. Sephardic Jews, they had fled Spain in 1492 to escape the inquisition. Settling in Constantinople, they owned one of the largest banks in the Ottoman Empire. After a stint in Venice where they picked up their titles, the Camondo’s moved headquarters and families to Paris 1868.
Less passionate was his marriage to Irene Cahen d’Anvers, the daughter of another equally wealthy Jewish banking family. When she was 11, Renoir painted her portrait. After 5 years and two children she ran off with their stable hand who also happened to be an Italian count. She later converted to Catholicism to marry him.
When Moise inherited the house in 1912 he hired Rene Sargent to rebuild it. He wanted 18th century style with modern conveniences to house both his children and his spectacular collection. He intended his son, Nissim to inherit this house and his banking empire. But Nissim was killed in in air combat in 1917 during WWI. He was hailed a hero. His father’s heart was broken. Though he continued to refine and add to his collection he sold his banking interests and largely withdrew from society. When Moise died in 1935 he gifted the house and all its contents to France with the stipulation things remain where he had placed them.
The house is now open to the public. It is a wonderful opportunity to see a phenomenal collection of 18th century treasures. Marie Antoinette’s desk is here. It is also a chance to see what were the most modern kitchens, bathrooms and luxurious comforts of the early 20th century.
As for the Camondo fortune? Irene, Moise ex, survived the war and claimed it as Beatrice’s only heir. Long divorced from her second husband legend has it she squandered the money living high and gambling along the Riviera before dying penniless in 1963. Most unlucky!