Theophile Gautier

Date of Birth: August 30, 1811

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: October 23, 1872

Biography

Pierre Jules Théophile Gautier was a renowned French poet, dramatist, novelist, journalist, and literary critic. Born on August 30, 1811, in Tarbes, France, Gautier grew up to be one of the most influential figures of the 19th-century French literary scene. His contribution to the Romantic movement and later to the Parnassian school of poetry cemented his legacy as a master of French literature. Gautier began his literary career as a poet with the publication of his first collection, “Poésies,” in 1830. His works were characterized by their aesthetic quality, rich imagery, and meticulous attention to form. He was also known for his advocacy of “art for art’s sake,” a principle that art should be appreciated for its beauty alone and not for any moral or utilitarian purpose. Apart from poetry, Gautier’s literary talents extended to prose. His novel “Mademoiselle de Maupin” (1835) is celebrated for its exploration of gender and identity, and his travel writings, such as “Voyage en Espagne” (1843), offer vivid descriptions of his journeys. Gautier was also a prolific art and literary critic, contributing to several periodicals and influencing the tastes of his contemporaries. Gautier passed away on October 23, 1872, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. He left behind a legacy of literary excellence and a significant impact on future generations of writers and poets.

5 Interesting Facts about Theophile Gautier

1. Théophile Gautier was a close friend of the famous French poet and novelist Victor Hugo and was part of Hugo’s Romantic literary circle.

2. Gautier was initially trained as a painter, and his early exposure to visual arts deeply influenced his literary style.

3. He wrote ballet scenarios, including the one for “Giselle,” one of the most famous ballets of the Romantic era.

4. Gautier was an ardent traveler, and his travel writings covered countries such as Spain, Italy, Russia, and Egypt.

5. He had a significant influence on the Symbolist movement, with poets like Stéphane Mallarmé and Charles Baudelaire considering him a major inspiration.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Theophile Gautier

1. “Art is beauty, the perpetual invention of detail, the choice of words, the exquisite care of execution.”

2. “The word poet literally means maker: anything which is not well made doesn’t exist.”

3. “To love is to admire with the heart; to admire is to love with the mind.”

4. “I am one of those for whom superfluity is a necessity.”

5. “A cat will be your friend, but never your slave.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Théophile Gautier’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a prominent literary figure of his time, he enjoyed considerable success and recognition.