Vincent Voiture facts for kids
Vincent Voiture (born February 24, 1597 – died May 26, 1648) was a famous French poet and writer. He lived during a time when art and literature were changing, known as the Mannerist and Baroque periods. He was also part of a group of clever writers called the Précieuses. Vincent came from a wealthy family in Amiens, where his father was a wine merchant.
Contents
A Talented Writer from France
Early Life and Important Connections
Vincent Voiture was introduced to important people early in his life. A school friend, Count Claude d'Avaux, helped him meet Gaston, Duke of Orléans. Gaston was a very important duke. Vincent then traveled with the duke on special trips to other countries, like Brussels and Lorraine. These were called diplomatic missions.
Even though he worked for the Duke of Orléans, Vincent also gained the support of Cardinal Richelieu. Cardinal Richelieu was a powerful leader in France. Vincent was one of the first members of the Académie française. This was a very important group that worked to make the French language better. He also received jobs and money from King Louis XIII and Queen Anne of Austria.
His Popular Writings
Vincent Voiture did not publish his works in books during his lifetime. But his poems and letters were very popular. People copied them by hand and shared them. Many people admired his work more than that of other writers at the time.
He was introduced to the Hôtel de Rambouillet early on. This was a famous meeting place for smart and stylish people in Paris. There, he became good friends with Julie d'Angennes. She was the daughter of the Marquis and Marquise de Rambouillet. Vincent was very good at entertaining the people in this group. This made him very popular.
Famous Literary Debates
Vincent Voiture was known for his clever writings. One famous debate happened over two poems. One was a sonnet by Voiture, written for someone named Uranie. The other was by Isaac de Benserade, about a person named Job. People argued about which poem was better. This argument was known as the quarrel between the Uranistes and the Jobelins.
Another well-known poem by him was La Belle Matineuse. It was also very admired. Vincent Voiture is considered one of the best writers of vers de société. These were light, social poems. His letters were also full of lively humor. Some of his letters, like one about Richelieu's plans, even showed a good understanding of politics. He helped improve French writing, just like Jean de Balzac did for French prose.
End of an Era
Vincent Voiture passed away on May 26, 1648. This happened just as a big conflict called the Fronde was starting in France. His death marked the beginning of the end for the kind of society he was used to.
See also
In Spanish: Vincent Voiture para niños
