About
Jean Chapelain, born December 4, 1595, in Paris and died February 22, 1674, in the same city, was a French poet and literary critic. A founding member of the Académie française, he occupied seat 7 from 1634. At Richelieu's request, he drafted the Sentiments de l'Académie sur le Cid (1638), helping to establish the rule of the three unities. His epic poem La Pucelle (1656) was sharply criticized by Boileau, tarnishing his poetic reputation. His influence as a critic remained significant, notably through his correspondence and his work for the Academy.
* 1595-12-04 — † 1674-02-22
Major works
- Guzmán de Alfarache (1619)translation
- Les Sentiments de l'Académie sur le Cid (1638)literary criticism
- La Pucelle ou la France délivrée (1656)epic poem
- De la lecture des vieux romansessay
Key milestones
- 1634Founding member of the Académie française, first occupant of seat 7.
- 1638Publication of the Sentiments de l'Académie sur le Cid, written at Richelieu's request.
- 1663Commissioned by Colbert to draw up a list of men of letters deserving royal pensions.
Themes
Literary criticismEpic poetryClassical theatrical rulesAcadémie françaiseTranslation
Sources: britannica.com · id.loc.gov