Jacques Delille

Date of Birth: June 22, 1738

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: May 1, 1813

Biography

Jacques Delille was a renowned French poet born in the 18th century. His literary career was marked by his exquisite translations and original poetry, which earned him a prominent place in the French literary canon. Delille was particularly known for his translations of Virgil’s “Georgics” and for his didactic poems, such as “Les Jardins” and “L’Homme des Champs.” His works are celebrated for their elegance, vivid imagery, and the seamless blending of classical influences with contemporary themes. Delille was born in Aigueperse, France, and he displayed an early talent for poetry and classical languages. He pursued his education at the College of Lisieux in Paris, where he was deeply influenced by the works of ancient poets. Throughout his life, Delille held various academic and ecclesiastical positions, including a professorship at the Sorbonne and a canonry at the cathedral of Notre Dame. Despite the turbulent times of the French Revolution, Delille managed to maintain his literary pursuits. He went into exile during the Reign of Terror but returned to France after the fall of Robespierre. His later years saw continued literary productivity, although he faced financial difficulties and declining health. Jacques Delille passed away in Paris, leaving behind a legacy of poetic excellence that continues to be studied and admired.

5 Interesting Facts about Jacques Delille

1. Jacques Delille was a member of the prestigious Académie Française, elected in 1774.

2. His translation of Virgil’s “Georgics” was highly acclaimed and brought him considerable fame.

3. Delille was forced into exile during the French Revolution due to his royalist sympathies.

4. He was blind in the later years of his life but continued to compose poetry through dictation.

5. Delille’s poem “Les Jardins” is considered one of the finest examples of French landscape poetry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jacques Delille

1. “La poésie est une peinture qui parle.” (“Poetry is a painting that speaks.”)

2. “Les vers sont des enfants de l’ombre et du mystère.” (“Verses are children of shadow and mystery.”)

3. “L’art d’écrire est l’art de peindre la pensée.” (“The art of writing is the art of painting thought.”)

4. “Les plus beaux vers sont ceux qui nous font oublier le poète.” (“The most beautiful verses are those that make us forget the poet.”)

5. “La nature est un temple où de vivants piliers laissent parfois sortir de confuses paroles.” (“Nature is a temple where living pillars sometimes release confused words.”)

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jacques Delille’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but he enjoyed considerable success and recognition during his lifetime, especially from his translations and original poetry.