Ernesta Stern

Ernesta Stern, born Maria Ernesta Hierschel de Minerbi, also known as Maria Star, (December 8, 1854 – 1926) was an Austrian Empire-born French author. She wrote many Venetian tales and novels. She held a salon in Paris and she was awarded the knighthood of the Legion of Honour. Her Villa Torre Clementina in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is an official historical monument. Early life Ernesta Stern was born on December 8, 1854 in Trieste, Austrian Empire. Her father was Leone de Hierschel (son of Moisè Hierschel and Rachele Vivante) and her mother, Clementina de Minerbi (daughter of Caliman de Minerbi and Chiara di Angeli). She was Jewish. Career Stern wrote Venetian tales as well as novels. For example, her 1916 novel Le Baptême du courage is about World War I. Stern held a salon in Paris. One of her guests was Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti. She was friends with Marcel Proust.