Évariste Parny

Charles-Évariste de Parny (1753 – 1813) was a French poet, born in Saint-Paul, Réunion Island (then Île Bourbon). Known for his sensitivity and lyrical melancholy, Parny became an important figure in French poetry transitioning between Neoclassicism and Romanticism. He studied in Paris and his literary career began to flourish with the publication of "Opuscules poétiques" in 1778. His most famous work is "Élégies" (1784), which earned him the nickname "Parny des élégies" and placed him at the forefront of sentimental lyricism. He also wrote erotic and satirical poems, such as "Guerre des dieux" and "Opuscules français". Parny spent time in Russia, where he served as tutor to Grand Duke Alexander Pavlovich (future Alexander I), but returned to France. Despite a marriage, his life was marked by several notable loves. His poetry is characterized by fluid language, a confessional tone, and an exploration of human emotions, anticipating many later Romantic concerns.