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Theophile GautierFrench poet and critic of the Romantic school.
Date of Birth: 31.08.1811
Country:  France |
Content:
- Theophile Gautier: A Romantic Aesthete
- Literary Career
- Romanticism with a Twist
- Mastery of Technique
- Later Works
- Death and Legacy
Theophile Gautier: A Romantic Aesthete
Early Life and EducationTheophile Gautier was born in Tarbes, France, on August 31, 1811. He received his education in Paris, where he first pursued painting but quickly realized his limitations in that field.
Literary Career
Gautier began publishing poetry, stories, novels, and travelogues in 1830. He emerged as a prominent figure of the Romantic movement, known for his exquisitely crafted verse and prose. Gautier's work marked a transition from Romanticism to the Parnassian school.
Romanticism with a Twist
Gautier's early poetry collection, "Premières Poesies" (1830), exhibited Romantic tendencies. However, he rejected the Romantic obsession with politics, society, science, and nature. Instead, he celebrated pagan eroticism, evident in his novel "Mademoiselle de Maupin" (1835).
Mastery of Technique
Gautier possessed exceptional technical skill, which he applied to refine the Romantic style. His poetic masterpiece, "Emaux et Camées" (1852), showcased his artistry. The poem "Art" emphasized technical complexity as the cornerstone of true art.
Later Works
Gautier's voluminous novel, "Capitaine Fracasse" (1863), was a variation on Paul Scarron's "Comical Romance." His posthumously published "Histoire du Romantisme" (1874) provided insights into the Romantic era.
Death and Legacy
Theophile Gautier passed away on October 23, 1872, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris. He is remembered as a brilliant writer and a renowned proponent of "art for art's sake." His legacy continues to inspire artists and scholars alike.
