Auguste Barbier
Henri Auguste Barbier was a notable French poet and dramatist born in Paris on April 29, 1805. His literary works are heavily influenced by the tumultuous events of the French Revolution, reflecting the devastating societal and political consequences of that era. Barbier is particularly recognized for his collection of poems titled *Iambes*, published in 1832, where he employs satirical and aggressive tones to critique the political and social ills of his time. His poetry, inspired by fellow poet André Chénier, includes significant pieces such as "La Curée" and "Paris." Beyond poetry, Barbier also contributed to the world of drama, co-creating the libretto for Hector Berlioz's opera *Benvenuto Cellini*. Despite his earlier acclaim, his later works did not achieve the same level of recognition, particularly after his shifting political views distanced him from earlier ideals of rebellion. In his later years, he was honored by his induction into the French Academy, although this recognition was met with mixed feelings due to his past republican affiliations. Barbier passed away in Nice, France, on February 13, 1882, leaving behind a legacy of sharp political satire that continues to resonate with modern audiences.
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Auguste Barbier
Poet
- Born: April 29, 1805
- Birthplace: Paris, France
- Died: February 13, 1882
- Place of death: Nice, France
Biography
Henri Auguste Barbier was born in Paris, France, on April 29, 1805. Barbier’s persuasive and dynamic poetry and drama were largely inspired by the French Revolution. In his poems, he comments on the horrifying effects and circumstances surrounding this tumultuous era in eighteenth century France.
Contrary to the nationalist agenda of the period, Barbier’s work denounces the political and social evils of the time in a manner that is both satiric and aggressive. These injustices are discussed collectively in his most prominent collection of poems, Iambes, published in 1832. Barbier modeled this particular series on the verse of fellow French poet André Chénier. Some of Barbier’s most notable poems in this collection include “La Curée,” “La Popularité,” “L’Idole,” “Paris,” “Dante,” “Quatre-vingt-treize,” and “Varsovie.”
Among his other poetic works are Il pianto, published in 1833, and “Lazare,” published in 1837. His later works include two series of poems on the political and social troubles of Italy and England printed in later editions of Iambes et poèmes. Barbier was a political dramatist as well as a poetic satirist. He collaborated with Leon de Wailly on the libretto for Hector Berlioz’s opera,Benvenuto Cellini.
Towards the end of his life, Barbier was inaugurated into the French Academy; as he was believed to be dead for many years, this honor came as a surprise to many. Much of his later poetry did not receive the recognition of his early work, which had celebrated France’s quest for a free republic through Napoleon I’s conquest. After the early 1830’s, however, Barbier’s support for the rebellion had waned and his admiration for the ambitious conqueror had turned to detestation. As a result of this change of heart, Barbier became more prominent in the eyes of the French Academy, whose members were particularly opposed to the foundation of Napoleon’s empire. However, some academy members were still unsatisfied with Barbier’s prior republican allegiance, and Silvestre de Sacy, a prominent linguist, made this sentiment known in a fairly indiscreet speech at Barbier’s induction ceremony.
Barbier died at Nice, France, on February 13, 1882. Overall, Barbier is best known for his biting political satire written in response to the French Revolution. Through these poetic works, he criticized the controversial standards of the time with an intense spirit that is still poignant and engaging to contemporary readers.