George Sand

Amandine-Aurore-Lucile Dupin - later Baroness Dudevant (July 1, 1804 - June 8, 1876) was a French novelist and early feminist (prior to the invention of the word), writing under the pseudonym of George Sand.

Sand’s reputation came into question when she began sporting men’s clothing in public and also smoking tobacco. These and other behaviors were exceptional for a woman of the early and mid-19th century, when social codes—especially in the upper classes—were of the utmost importance.

Sand conducted affairs of varying duration with Jules Sandeau (1831), Prosper Mérimée, Alfred de Musset (summer 1833 – March 1835), Louis-Chrystosome Michel, Pierre-François Bocage, Félicien Mallefille, Louis Blanc, and Frédéric Chopin (1837–47).Later in life, she corresponded with Gustave Flaubert. Despite their obvious differences in temperament and aesthetic preference, they eventually became close friends. She was engaged in an intimate friendship with actress Marie Dorval, which led to widespread but unconfirmed rumors of a lesbian affair.Letters written by Sand to Dorval mentioned things like “wanting you either in your dressing room or in your bed.” ;)