About
Théophile Gautier (1811-1872) was a major figure in French literature, bridging Romanticism and later movements. He is known for his advocacy of art for art's sake, formulated in the preface to Albertus (1832) and in his novel Mademoiselle de Maupin (1835). A poet, novelist, playwright, and critic, he wrote works such as the poetry collection Émaux et Camées (1852), the vampire tale La Morte amoureuse (1836), and the historical novel Le Capitaine Fracasse (1863). He also co-wrote the libretto for the ballet Giselle (1841). A prolific journalist, he supported himself through art and theater criticism. His influence extended to the Parnassian school and writers like Baudelaire, who dedicated Les Fleurs du mal to him.
* 1811-08-28 — † 1872-10-23
Major works
- Mademoiselle de Maupin (1835)novel
- Émaux et Camées (1852)poetry collection
- Giselle (1841)ballet libretto
- La Morte amoureuse (1836)short story
- Le Capitaine Fracasse (1863)novel
Key milestones
- 1832Publication of Albertus, whose preface advocates art for art's sake.
- 1841Premiere of the ballet Giselle at the Paris Opéra, with a libretto co-written by Gautier.
- 1868Appointed librarian to Princess Mathilde Bonaparte.
Themes
art for art's sakebeauty and aestheticismlove and deathantiquity and exoticismtransposition d'art
Sources: britannica.com · poetryfoundation.org · oxfordreference.com