Emma Calvé Unknown Superior

• Private archives of the Martinist Order.
• Papus archives.
• Encausse archives.
• GERME collection (Groupe d'Études et de Recherches Martinistes — Group for Martinist Studies and Research).

This document, written in Paris on 11 November 1892 at the Chat Noir cabaret, bears the signature of Emma Calvé, followed by the initials S.I., standing for Supérieur Inconnu (Unknown Superior), a high grade within the Martinist Order.
Among the many signatures — over a hundred — one can also recognise those of Camille Flammarion and Stanislas de Guaita.

Among those identified: Augustin Chaboseau, Victor-Émile Michelet, Sédir, Julien Lejay, Laurent Tailhade, Irène Encausse...

For a long time, many authors have suggested that Emma Calvé was a member of esoteric circles or secret societies. A devotee of Hinduism and occultism, Emma Calvé was often seen frequenting the Chat Noir cabaret in Paris in the company of <u>Alfred Mucha</u>, Papus, Jules Bois, Camille and Sylvie Flammarion, and many others...

Several historical studies indicate that Emma Calvé was raised to the rank of "Supérieur Inconnu" (S.I.) within the Martinist Order. An article in the journal L'Initiation states explicitly: "Emma Calvé, Papus's confidante, raised to the rank of Supérieur Inconnu of the Martinist Order."

There were three grades in the Martinist Order founded by Papus:

• Associate
• Initiate
• Supérieur Inconnu

The third degree was reserved for members considered capable of passing on the teaching.

 Une vente d’archives en 2015 décrit le document comme un « diplôme d’honneur décerné à Papus par le Groupe indépendant d’études ésotériques », revêtu de plus d’une centaine de signatures autographes, dont celles de plusieurs figures du martinisme. C’est actuellement la preuve documentaire la plus ancienne connue de son appartenance.