Antoine Girard de Saint-Amant facts for kids
Antoine Girard, known as Saint-Amant (born September 30, 1594 – died December 29, 1661), was a famous French poet. He lived a life full of adventure, traveling to many different countries and writing various kinds of poems.
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Who Was Saint-Amant?
Antoine Girard was born near a city called Rouen in France. His father was a merchant who had also been a sailor. According to Saint-Amant, his father once commanded a fleet of ships for Queen Elizabeth.
Saint-Amant later became a nobleman. He worked for several important noblemen, including the duc de Retz and the comte d'Harcourt.
His Adventures and Travels
Saint-Amant also served in the military. He traveled to many places during his life. He visited Italy and England. His time in England led him to write a poem called Albion (1643), which criticized the country.
He also spent two years in Poland, where he had a job at the royal court. After his many travels, Saint-Amant returned to France. He spent his later years there and passed away in Paris.
What Kind of Poems Did He Write?
Saint-Amant wrote many different types of poems. He was known for his burlesque poems. These are funny poems that make fun of serious topics by treating them in a silly way. His poems Albion and Rome ridicule helped make this style popular.
Serious and Lively Poems
Later in his life, Saint-Amant focused on more serious subjects. He wrote a long, epic poem called Moyse sauvé (1653), which means Moses Saved.
He also wrote lively songs about celebrations. One of his most well-known poems of this type was Débauche, which was a very remarkable and cheerful poem.
