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Isaac de BenseradeFrench court poet, playwright
Date of Birth: 15.10.1612
Country:  France |
Content:
- Isaac de Benserade: A Courtier of Wit and Verse
- The Poet of "Preciosity"
- Triumph on Stage
- Courtly Ballet Collaborations
- Literary Legacy
- Dramatic Innovations and Social Commentary
- Member of the Académie Française
Isaac de Benserade: A Courtier of Wit and Verse
Early Life and EducationIsaac de Benserade was born in Normandy, France. He initially pursued theological studies at the Sorbonne University but soon found his true calling.
The Poet of "Preciosity"
Benserade's extravagant and erotic poetry gained him recognition in the literary circles of the Hôtel de Rambouillet, the epicenter of the "préciosité" movement. His intricate sonnets and rondeaux became synonymous with the refined and artificial style of the era.
Triumph on Stage
Benserade's passion for theater led him to write his first tragedy, "Cléopâtre," which premiered in 1636 at the Hôtel de Bourgogne. Its success prompted him to abandon his clerical aspirations and embrace a life on the stage.
Courtly Ballet Collaborations
In collaboration with composers like Lambert and, later, Lully, Benserade became the primary author of 23 court ballets. His lyrical librettos brought the genre to new heights, earning him a reputation as a leading innovator in the field.
Literary Legacy
In his later years, Benserade turned to more didactic forms, such as fables and rondeaux. His works include epigrams, stanzas, madrigals, sonnets, enigmas, and epitaphs. Inspired by Ovid's "Metamorphoses" and Aesop's fables, he published variations on these classic texts in 1676 and 1678, respectively.
Dramatic Innovations and Social Commentary
Benserade's tragedies and comedies, such as "Iphis et Iante," pushed the boundaries of French theater. Notably, "Iphis et Iante" featured themes of female homosexuality, breaking new ground in dramatic representation.
Member of the Académie Française
Benserade's vast literary contributions earned him a seat in the prestigious Académie Française in 1674. His diverse body of work, ranging from lighthearted verses to poignant dramas, cemented his legacy as a master of the courtly arts in 17th-century France.
