Alfred de Vigny

Date of Birth: March 27, 1797

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 17, 1863

Biography

Alfred de Vigny was a prominent French poet, playwright, and novelist, born on March 27, 1797, in Loches, France. He was a significant figure in the Romantic movement in French literature, known for his thoughtful and often pessimistic exploration of human existence and the conflict between idealism and reality. Vigny came from an aristocratic family and initially pursued a military career, serving in the army from 1814 to 1827, but he eventually turned to literature as his primary vocation. His first collection of poetry, “Poèmes Antiques et Modernes” (1826), garnered critical acclaim and established him as a leading Romantic poet. Vigny’s notable works include the novel “Cinq-Mars” (1826), which is based on the historical figure of Henri Coiffier de Ruzé, Marquis de Cinq-Mars, and the play “Chatterton” (1835), which highlights the tragic life of the young English poet Thomas Chatterton. Vigny was a member of the Académie Française from 1845 until his death. Despite his literary success, Vigny lived a relatively secluded life in his later years, focusing on philosophical and poetic reflections. He passed away on September 17, 1863, in Paris, France.

5 Interesting Facts about Alfred de Vigny

1. Alfred de Vigny was a pioneer of the Romantic movement in France, often exploring themes of existentialism and human suffering in his works.

2. He was initially a career soldier, serving in the French army for over a decade before fully dedicating himself to writing.

3. Vigny was a member of the prestigious Académie Française, being elected in 1845.

4. His play “Chatterton” is considered one of the key works of French Romantic drama.

5. Vigny had a significant influence on later writers and poets, including Charles Baudelaire and Marcel Proust.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alfred de Vigny

1. “Every man has seen the wall that limits his mind.”

2. “The human heart feels things the eyes cannot see, and knows what the mind cannot understand.”

3. “Great thoughts come from the heart.”

4. “No writer, however great, has ever been able to imagine a life as strange as reality.”

5. “What is a great life but a youthful intention carried out in maturity?”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

During his lifetime, Alfred de Vigny achieved moderate financial success through his literary works, but he did not amass a significant fortune. His highest net worth is not precisely documented but was sufficient to live a comfortable, if not affluent, lifestyle.