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Amadis JamynFrench poet of the 16th century.
Country:
 France |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Friendship and Patronage with Ronsard
- Departure from Court
- Poetry
- Translation of the Iliad
- Legacy
Early Life and Education
Claude Jamin was born in 16th century France. It is believed that he was affiliated with the literary group known as the Pléiade. Around 1553, Jamin entered the service of Pierre de Ronsard, initially as a page and later as a secretary from 1562. He likely received a humanist education, possibly from Jean Daurat.
Friendship and Patronage with Ronsard
From 1567 to 1569, Jamin lived with his patron in the priory of Saint-Cosme-lès-Tours, where he fell in love with a woman he referred to as Diane in his poetry. Through Ronsard's influence, Jamin was appointed secretary to King Charles IX in 1571 and later became an ordinary lecturer in the royal chambers. He also enjoyed the patronage of Henry III and was a member of the Académie du Palais.
Departure from Court
Despite his success at court, Jamin grew disillusioned with its morals and left in 1580. He founded a college in his hometown in 1584.
Poetry
Jamin's poetry largely consists of courtly and commissioned works, often featuring excessive flattery of the king and nobility. His first collection was published in 1575, and like Ronsard, he drew inspiration from classical poetry, particularly the sonnet. However, his work exhibited a stronger satirical bent and a keen appreciation for nature. After Ronsard was eclipsed by Desportes as the leading court poet, Jamin readily adopted the new style.
Translation of the Iliad
Jamin's fame is primarily attributed to his completion of the French translation of Homer's Iliad, begun by Hugues Salel. He published individual cantos of the poem from 1574, receiving praise from Ronsard and Daurat. The complete translation appeared in 1580, with three cantos from the Odyssey added in 1584.
Legacy
Jamin's son was named Amadis after the popular French romance "Amadis of Gaul," published in 1540. Pierre de L'Estoile's diary includes Jamin's laudatory sonnets from 1578 to three of Henry III's favorites.
