[Born in Paris, 1719. Died there, 1797. Aged 78.]
The son of an architect. At the age of 13 relinquished, through poverty,
the study of architecture and became a journeyman mason. Later in life
he set up as master mason, but he forsook his calling for literature and
the drama. His plays are well written for stage effect, but are not
remarkable for their poetic character, or correctness of style. The
success of his play, “Richard Cœur de Lion,” procured him admission into
the French Academy.
[From a marble, by Jaques Edouard Gatteaux, signed and dated 1843. M.
Gatteaux is an engraver of medals as well as sculptor, and member of
the Institute. Born 1788.]
234*. CHARLES PALISSOT DE MONTENOY. _Dramatist._
[Born at Nancy, in France, 1730. Died, 1814. Aged 84.]
Celebrated chiefly for his comedy of the “Cercle,” in which, by his
ridicule of Rousseau, he gave offence to the philosophical _literati_ of
France, with whom he waged continual literary war. In 1760, he produced
his comedy of “Les Philosophes;” in 1764, the “Dunciade.” His works are
not distinguished by richness of invention or copiousness of ideas; but
his style is natural, easy and correct.
[Bust to come.]