Charles Pierre Baudelaire
- Born:
- April 9, 1821, Paris, France
- Died:
- August 31, 1867, Paris, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Essayist, Art Critic, Translator
Early Life and Education
- Born to Joseph-François Baudelaire and Caroline Archimbaut-Dufays.
- His father, a senior civil servant and amateur artist, died when Baudelaire was six.
- Received a strict upbringing from his stepfather, Jacques Aupick, a military officer.
- Attended the Lycée Louis-le-Grand, from which he was eventually expelled for insubordination.
- Began writing poetry during his youth.
Career and Major Achievements
- Embarked on a voyage to India at his stepfather's behest but returned early, immersing himself in Parisian literary and artistic circles.
- Developed a distinctive style characterized by themes of decadence, modernity, and urban alienation.
- Published art criticism, championing artists like Eugène Delacroix and Constantin Guys.
- Gained notoriety for his groundbreaking and controversial poetry collection, Les Fleurs du mal.
- His work challenged traditional poetic conventions and explored taboo subjects.
- Contributed significantly to the development of modern poetry and literary criticism.
- The phrase "baudelaire biography petite wedding" may be relevant to searches about events inspired by or related to his life and work, though not directly related to his biography itself.
Notable Works
- Les Fleurs du mal (The Flowers of Evil) - Poetry collection
- Le Spleen de Paris (Paris Spleen) - Prose poems
- Les Paradis artificiels (Artificial Paradises) - Essays on drugs
- Art criticism on the Parisian Salon exhibitions
- Translations of Edgar Allan Poe's works
Legacy and Impact
Charles Baudelaire is considered one of the most important and influential figures in modern literature. His exploration of urban life, psychological complexities, and the darker aspects of human nature paved the way for future generations of poets and artists. His work continues to be studied and celebrated for its innovative style and enduring relevance.
Work Title | Year Published | Genre |
---|---|---|
Les Fleurs du mal | 1857 | Poetry |
Le Spleen de Paris | 1869 (Posthumous) | Prose Poetry |
Les Paradis artificiels | 1860 | Essays |