Felix Feneon

Date of Birth: June 22, 1861

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: February 29, 1944

Biography

Felix Fénéon was a prominent French anarchist, art critic, and editor born in Turin, Italy, and raised in France. He is best known for his influential role in the promotion of Neo-Impressionism and his advocacy for social justice and anarchist causes. Fénéon worked as an editor for various literary and artistic publications, including “La Revue Blanche,” where he championed the works of avant-garde artists and writers. His writing style was marked by its wit, precision, and brevity, making him a unique voice in the literary and art worlds. Fénéon was also known for his “Nouvelles en trois lignes” (“News in Three Lines”), a series of succinct news summaries that captured the essence of events with remarkable economy of words. He played a significant role in the Dreyfus Affair, advocating for the exoneration of Alfred Dreyfus. Fénéon’s contributions to art and literature were significant, and his legacy continues to influence modern critics and scholars.

5 Interesting Facts about Felix Feneon

1. Felix Fénéon coined the term “Neo-Impressionism” to describe the pointillist technique used by artists like Georges Seurat and Paul Signac.

2. He was a devoted anarchist and was once arrested and tried in 1894 during the “Trial of the Thirty” but was acquitted.

3. Fénéon worked for the French Ministry of War before fully dedicating himself to the arts and journalism.

4. He had a keen eye for talent and was an early supporter of artists such as Henri Matisse and Amedeo Modigliani.

5. Despite his significant contributions to art and literature, Fénéon remained a relatively private person and shunned the spotlight.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Felix Feneon

1. “Art should be independent of all claptrap – should stand alone.”

2. “If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend, I hope I should have the guts to betray my country.”

3. “The artist must create a spark before he can make a fire and before art is born, the artist must be ready to be consumed by the fire of his own creation.”

4. “Anarchy is not chaos but order without power.”

5. “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Felix Fénéon’s career was not one of significant financial gain. His highest net worth is estimated to be modest, as he devoted much of his life to activism and supporting the arts rather than accumulating wealth.