Andre Breton

Date of Birth: February 19, 1896

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: September 28, 1966

Biography

André Breton was a French writer, poet, and surrealist theorist, born on February 19, 1896, in Tinchebray, Orne, France. He is best known as the founder of Surrealism, a cultural movement that sought to revolutionize human experience, rejecting rationalism and literary realism. Breton’s work was deeply influenced by the psychoanalytic theories of Sigmund Freud, and he endeavored to express the unconscious mind’s potential through his writings. Breton studied medicine and psychiatry, which led him to work in neurological wards during World War I. These experiences profoundly impacted his later works. After the war, he became involved with the Dada movement before eventually breaking away to establish Surrealism. His first Surrealist Manifesto, published in 1924, outlined the principles of the movement and emphasized the importance of dreams, the irrational, and the liberation of the mind from conventional logic. Throughout his career, Breton wrote several influential works, including “Nadja” (1928) and “Mad Love” (1937). He also edited the Surrealist journal “La Révolution surréaliste” and collaborated with numerous artists, including Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, and Man Ray. Breton remained a central figure in the Surrealist movement until his death on September 28, 1966, in Paris, France.

5 Interesting Facts about Andre Breton

1. André Breton was initially a medical student and served in neurological wards during World War I.

2. He was a key figure in the Dada movement before founding Surrealism.

3. Breton’s first Surrealist Manifesto was published in 1924, laying the groundwork for the Surrealist movement.

4. His novel “Nadja” is considered one of the most important works of Surrealist literature.

5. Breton was also an art collector and played a significant role in promoting the works of Surrealist artists.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Andre Breton

1. “The imaginary is what tends to become real.”

2. “Surrealism is destructive, but it destroys only what it considers to be shackles limiting our vision.”

3. “Beauty will be convulsive or will not be at all.”

4. “No rules exist, and examples are simply life-savers answering the appeals of rules making vain attempts to exist.”

5. “All my life, my heart has yearned for a thing I cannot name.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

André Breton’s net worth is not well-documented, but as a prominent literary and cultural figure, his works and influence have had significant cultural value.