Born: 1870 (Săucești, Bacău County or possibly the Hertsa region)
Died: 1941
Biography:
Izabela Sadoveanu-Evan, also known as Izabela Morțun, was born on February 24, 1870, in Săucești, Bacău County or possibly in the Hertsa region. She was the daughter of Gheorghe Grigore and Eleonora Morțun and the niece of socialist Vasile Morțun. Izabela came from a prestigious Moldavian intellectual and boyar family, with connections to families such as the Racovițești, the Movilești, and the ancient House of Bogdan-Mușat. She was also related to the Arbore family, which included prominent socialists Zamfir and Ecaterina Arbore.
After being adopted by the Andrei family at an early age, Izabela grew up as an unhappy and unwanted child. She had a half-sister named Adela, who was known for her beauty. Izabela attended primary school in Bacău before being sent to a girls’ institute and boarding school in Iași. It was during her time at this French-language institution, known as Dodun des Perrières School, that she met and befriended Constanța Marino-Moscu, who would also become a writer.
During her school years, Izabela became involved in socialist militancy. She attended the left-wing cultural circle of Ioan and Sofia Nădejde, where she developed a deep passion for socialist ideals. She voraciously read on various subjects and cultivated a strong intellectual foundation.
In her youth, Izabela advocated for socialism and continued to support left-wing politics throughout her life. She became an important representative of Poporanist circles and was a personal friend of the influential culture critic, Garabet Ibrăileanu. Under Ibrăileanu’s guidance, Izabela began writing for the Viața Românească review. Her writing aimed to reconcile ethnic nationalism and traditionalism with aestheticism.
Izabela Sadoveanu-Evan gained recognition as a literary critic, championing the acceptance of Symbolism as an independent cultural phenomenon. She also explored and reviewed modern developments in English literature. Her critical insights and analytical approach established her as a respected voice in the literary world.
Beyond her contributions to literature, Sadoveanu-Evan was actively involved in feminist activism. She represented Romanian feminism at International Alliance of Women congresses, where she fought for gender equality. However, she took a gradualist approach to women’s suffrage, believing in the importance of creating societal links and reforming education. This led her to pursue the propagation of the Montessori method which she qualified to teach.
During the interwar period, Izabela became interested in eugenics and sought to establish connections between feminism and this controversial field. As a schoolteacher and activist, she played a significant role in promoting education reform and advocating for better educational opportunities for women.
Later in her life, Izabela Sadoveanu-Evan also became involved in feminist anti-fascism. She expanded her political and social involvements to combat the spread of fascism and defend the rights of women.
Izabela Sadoveanu-Evan passed away on August 6, 1941, leaving behind a diverse and impactful legacy. Her commitment to socialism, feminism, and education reform shaped her life’s work, influencing Romanian society and leaving an indelible mark on the cultural and literary landscape.