Vincent Voiture

Vincent Voiture, born on 24 February 1597, was a prominent French poet and writer whose works flourished during the Mannerist and Baroque periods. The son of a wealthy wine merchant from Amiens, Voiture's literary journey began when he was introduced to Gaston, Duke of Orléans, by his schoolmate, Claude d'Avaux. This connection led him to accompany the Duke on various diplomatic missions to Brussels and Lorraine, where he honed his skills in both poetry and prose.

Despite his allegiance to the Duke, Voiture garnered the favor of Cardinal Richelieu and became one of the founding members of the Académie française. His talents did not go unnoticed by the royal court, as he received appointments and pensions from both Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. Although he never published a book during his lifetime, his verses and prose letters, which were later published posthumously by his nephew, captivated the literary circles of his time.

Voiture's social prowess was evident in his close friendship with Julie d'Angennes, a prominent figure in the Hôtel de Rambouillet, where he was known for his ability to entertain and engage the members of the coterie. His popularity remained largely unchallenged, save for a brief rivalry with Antoine Godeau, which dissipated when Godeau was appointed bishop of Grasse by Richelieu.

Among Voiture's notable contributions to literature is the famous piece, La Belle Matineuse, which, while not as exquisite as some of his other works, still showcases his remarkable talent. His prose letters are celebrated for their wit and political insight, particularly in his commentary on Richelieu's policies. Voiture's death on 26 May 1648, coinciding with the onset of the Fronde, marked a significant turning point in the literary society he had so greatly influenced.