Works by French artist Pierre Jules Théophile Gautier made him a towering figure in 19th-century literature. His contributions to poetry, prose, and criticism, coupled with his advocacy for artistic freedom, continue to inspire and inform modern literary thought.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 30, 1811, in Tarbes, France, Théophile Gautier grew up in a culturally rich but modest household. His father, Jean-Pierre Gautier, was a minor government official with a profound appreciation for classical education, which influenced Gautier’s formative years. In 1814, the family moved to Paris, where they settled in the historic Marais district.

Gautier’s formal education began at the esteemed Collège Louis-le-Grand, though health issues caused his early withdrawal. He later attended Collège Charlemagne, where his father personally guided his instruction in Latin and classical studies. It was during this time that Gautier formed a lifelong friendship with Gérard de Nerval, who introduced him to Victor Hugo—a pivotal influence on his early work.

Entrance into the Literary World

Gautier’s literary career began in earnest amidst the burgeoning Romantic movement. A key moment in his early life was attending the premiere of Hugo’s Hernani in 1830, where Gautier famously wore a bold red doublet, symbolizing his rebellion against conservative norms.

His involvement with the artistic circle Le Petit Cénacle, alongside figures like Nerval, Alexandre Dumas, and Petrus Borel, cemented his place in the Romantic avant-garde. This group’s eccentricity and dedication to the arts heavily influenced Gautier’s poetic voice.

Romanticism and Beyond

Though a staunch advocate for Romanticism, Gautier’s works often defy easy classification. His poetic style matured from Romantic excess to a more polished and objective form, bridging Romanticism with emerging literary movements like Parnassianism and Symbolism. Gautier’s mantra of l’art pour l’art (art for art’s sake) became a guiding principle for his works and a cornerstone of literary theory.

Travels and Cultural Contributions

Gautier’s extensive travels profoundly shaped his writings. His visits to Spain, Italy, Russia, Egypt, and Algeria inspired vivid travelogues such as Voyage en Espagne (1843) and Voyage en Russie (1867). These works combined keen cultural observations with personal reflections, offering readers an immersive experience of foreign lands.

His fascination with the exotic extended to his involvement in Romantic ballet. He authored the scenario for Giselle, one of the most celebrated ballets, showcasing his diverse artistic talents.

Journalism and Literary Criticism

Gautier’s career as a journalist spanned decades, primarily at La Presse and later at Le Moniteur universel. While journalism provided financial stability, Gautier often found the demands stifling. Nevertheless, his contributions to art, theatre, and literary criticism were groundbreaking. He championed figures like Balzac, Baudelaire, and Verlaine, earning respect as a discerning critic.

As chairman of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, Gautier collaborated with luminaries like Eugène Delacroix and Édouard Manet, further solidifying his influence in the arts.

Major Literary Works

Poetry Gautier’s poetic output reflects his artistic evolution:

• Poésies (1830): A collection showcasing his early Romantic influences.
• Albertus (1832): A satirical long poem critiquing Romantic melodrama.
• Émaux et Camées (1852): Widely regarded as his masterpiece, this collection emphasized precision and aesthetic beauty over emotional excess.

Novels

• Mademoiselle de Maupin (1835): A provocative exploration of gender and identity, blending romance and philosophical musings.
• Le Roman de la Momie (1858): A historical novel set in Ancient Egypt, highlighting Gautier’s fascination with exoticism.
• Captain Fracasse (1863): A swashbuckling adventure tale steeped in chivalry and theatrical flair.

Travel Literature

Gautier’s travel writings, such as Constantinople (1853) and Voyage en Russie (1867), remain celebrated for their vivid descriptions and cultural insights.

Personal Life

Gautier’s personal life was as colorful as his literary career. His flamboyant style and charisma made him a prominent figure in Parisian society. He had relationships with several women, including singer Ernesta Grisi, with whom he had two daughters.

Despite his Romantic inclinations, Gautier rejected organized religion, instead seeking inspiration in art, mythology, and nature.

 

 

Later Years and Legacy

The 1860s marked Gautier’s ascent to literary prominence. Although he faced rejection from the French Academy, his reputation was bolstered by critical acclaim and patronage from figures like Princess Mathilde Bonaparte. During the Franco-Prussian War, he remained in Paris, enduring hardship alongside his family.

Gautier passed away on October 23, 1872, from cardiac disease. His burial at the Cimetière de Montmartre was attended by numerous admirers. Posthumous tributes, including Le Tombeau de Théophile Gautier, underscored his lasting impact on literature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Gautier’s notable contributions to literature?

He is celebrated for his poetry collections like Émaux et Camées, the novel Mademoiselle de Maupin, and his short story La Morte Amoureuse. His literary criticism helped revive interest in figures like François Villon and introduced terms like poète maudit.

What was Gautier’s philosophy on art?

He championed “Art for Art’s Sake,” advocating for the creation of art for its beauty rather than utilitarian purposes. His writing often emphasized style and form over subject matter.

What role did Gautier play in the Romantic Ballet?

He authored the scenario for Giselle (1841), one of the foundational works of ballet, and remained influential in dance criticism.

How did Gautier influence other artists and writers?

His work was admired by contemporaries like Balzac, Baudelaire, and Flaubert, and later figures such as Oscar Wilde, Thomas Stearns Eliot, and Ezra Pound. Baudelaire dedicated Les Fleurs du Mal to him.

What was Gautier’s impact as a critic?

As a journalist, he contributed extensively to art and theatre criticism, influencing public opinion and promoting Romantic ideals. He also reviewed music, particularly the works of Berlioz.

How did Gautier’s personal life shape his work?

His travels to Spain, Italy, Russia, and Egypt deeply inspired his writing, as seen in Voyage en Espagne and Le Roman de la Momie. His relationships, notably with Ernesta Grisi, also influenced his creative output.

What themes define Gautier’s poetry and fiction?

Gautier’s works often explore beauty, artifice, fantasy, and the supernatural, as seen in Albertus, Le Roman de la Momie, and Émaux et Camées.

What was Gautier’s stance on theatre?

He favored imaginative fantasy over realism and believed comedy could equal tragedy. His plays, like Le Tricorne enchanté, often defied conventional formulas.

How did Gautier’s career evolve over time?

Starting as a Romantic poet, Gautier transitioned into journalism, travel writing, and art criticism. His later years saw widespread literary recognition despite rejection by the French Academy.