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Parallèlement
In 1889 Verlaine published Parallèlement (Parallelism), a series of erotic and religious poems in which he draws a parallel between his debauched life and the innocence of religious life. In his preface*** to the first edition (1889), Verlaine explains the title as part of a vaster poetic project, in "parallel" to Sagesse, Amour, and Bonheur, which expressed his earlier mystical aspirations to a Christian spirituality of religious faith and moral values. Parallèlement is however grounded in the other "infernal" side of human nature, notably taken up with the flesh rather than the spirit, the exaltation of erotic desires and polysexuality (e.g., Les Amies, in praise of lesbian love, or Filles, in which Verlaine takes up the theme of the brothel and his multiple affairs).
Illustrated by Pierre Bonnard. Bonnard worked fervently on the project, mainly drawing inspiration from his own resources to capture the sensual intimacy of the poetry: many of his paintings from the late 1890s were quite attuned to Verlaine's vision, in particular the nude portraits of Marthe, his companion, and would serve as the groundwork for a number of the lithographs. Using a portable Kodak camera, he further realized a series of nude photographs** of Marthe in his apartment, rue de Douai, capturing in a casual snapshot style, with informal framing, what would become the sketchy freedom of the Parallèlement illustrations.
Illustrated by Pierre Bonnard. Bonnard worked fervently on the project, mainly drawing inspiration from his own resources to capture the sensual intimacy of the poetry: many of his paintings from the late 1890s were quite attuned to Verlaine's vision, in particular the nude portraits of Marthe, his companion, and would serve as the groundwork for a number of the lithographs. Using a portable Kodak camera, he further realized a series of nude photographs** of Marthe in his apartment, rue de Douai, capturing in a casual snapshot style, with informal framing, what would become the sketchy freedom of the Parallèlement illustrations.
- GenresPoetry
136 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1889
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About the author
Paul Verlaine
773 books414 followersPaul-Marie Verlaine was a French poet associated with the Symbolist movement. He is considered one of the greatest representatives of the fin de siècle in international and French poetry.
Despite Rimbaud admiring his poetry, these poets had a stormy affair which led to Verlaine's incarceration after shooting Rimbaud. This incident indirectly preceded his re-conversion to Roman Catholicism.
Verlaine's last years were particularly marked by alcoholism, drug addiction and poverty.
His poems have inspired many composers, such as Chopin, Fauré and Poldowski.
Art Poétique describes his decadent style and alludes to the relevance of nuances and veils in poetry.
Despite Rimbaud admiring his poetry, these poets had a stormy affair which led to Verlaine's incarceration after shooting Rimbaud. This incident indirectly preceded his re-conversion to Roman Catholicism.
Verlaine's last years were particularly marked by alcoholism, drug addiction and poverty.
His poems have inspired many composers, such as Chopin, Fauré and Poldowski.
Art Poétique describes his decadent style and alludes to the relevance of nuances and veils in poetry.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 13, 2023
Jedan od boljih Verlainovih radova, ova zbirka bi se mogla smatrati kontroverzalnom za doba u koje je napisana. Koketira sa bludom i homoseksualnosti u više pjesama i opisuje odnos Verlainea sa njegovim mladim muškim partnerom Rimbaudom.
Svaka pjesma je zanimljiva.
8.4/10
I.J.
Svaka pjesma je zanimljiva.
8.4/10
I.J.
Displaying 1 of 1 review