Mme. Léontine Pauline Aubart

Who was Léontine Pauline Aubart?

Léontine Pauline Aubart, known as “Ninette,” was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old French singer and first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on May 20, 1887, in Paris, France, Aubart gained notoriety as the mistress of millionaire Benjamin Guggenheim, who also sailed on the Titanic’s maiden voyage.

Early Life and Background

A Parisian Singer’s Rise to Fame

Léontine Pauline Aubart was born in the heart of Paris, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. As a young woman, she pursued a career in singing, which eventually led her to cross paths with some of the wealthiest individuals of her time.

“A Singer, she lived at 17 Rue Le Sueur, Paris, France.”

This simple statement reveals much about Aubart’s life before the Titanic:

• She was a professional singer
• She resided in an affluent area of Paris
• Her talent likely brought her into high society circles

The Titanic Journey

How did Aubart come to be on the Titanic?

Léontine Pauline Aubart boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. She was accompanied by her maid, Emma Sägesser, highlighting her status as a woman of means. Aubart’s journey was intertwined with that of her paramour, Benjamin Guggenheim, a wealthy American businessman.

Aubart’s Titanic Accommodations

Aubart’s first-class status afforded her luxurious accommodations aboard the ship, reflecting the opulent lifestyle she had become accustomed to as Guggenheim’s companion.

Fate During the Disaster

A Survivor’s Tale

When the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, Léontine Pauline Aubart’s life took a dramatic turn. As a first-class passenger, she had a higher chance of survival, and indeed, she was among the fortunate ones who escaped the sinking ship.

Key points about Aubart’s survival:

• She was rescued, likely in lifeboat 9
• Her maid, Emma Sägesser, also survived
• Benjamin Guggenheim, however, perished in the disaster

Aubart’s Poignant Message

After being rescued and aboard the Carpathia, Aubart sent a heartbreaking Marconigram to Paris on April 18, 1912:

“Moi sauvee mais Ben perdu” (I’m saved but Ben lost)

This brief message encapsulates the personal tragedy amidst the larger disaster, showing Aubart’s relief at her own survival mixed with grief for her lost companion.

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic disaster impact Aubart’s later years?

The Titanic disaster marked a turning point in Léontine Pauline Aubart’s life. While details of her immediate post-Titanic years are scarce, we do know that she returned to Paris and continued to live a life that attracted attention.

Interesting facts about Aubart’s later life:

• She reportedly held parties during the 1920s that were so lively they were ended by police intervention
• These gatherings suggest she maintained connections in high society circles
• Her experiences on the Titanic likely influenced her outlook on life and relationships

Aubart’s Final Years

Léontine Pauline Aubart lived a long life after surviving one of history’s most famous maritime disasters. She passed away on October 29, 1964, at the age of 77 (seventy-seven). Her final resting place is at St Vincent Cemetery in Paris, France, bringing her life full circle in the city where it began.

Léontine Pauline Aubart’s Legacy

What can we learn from Aubart’s Titanic experience?

Léontine Pauline Aubart’s story offers a unique perspective on the Titanic disaster. As a survivor and a woman with connections to high society, her account provides insights into the experiences of first-class passengers during and after the tragedy.

Her life encapsulates several fascinating elements:

• The glamour and intrigue of early 20th-century high society
• The stark contrast between luxury and disaster aboard the Titanic
• The lasting impact of survival on an individual’s life

Aubart’s journey from a Parisian singer to Titanic survivor and beyond serves as a reminder of the profound ways in which a single event can shape a person’s entire life trajectory. Her story continues to captivate those interested in the human stories behind the Titanic’s ill-fated voyage.