Saturday, October 8, 2011

Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais

 

Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, watchmaker, inventor, musician, diplomat, fugitive, spy, publisher, arms dealer, financier, revolutionary, 1732-1799

He was perhaps most known for his theatrical works, including three Figaro plays: Le Barbier de Séville, Le Mariage de Figaro, and La Mère coupable.   

Determined to publish Voltaire's complete works, many of which were banned, he bought the rights to the manuscripts and set up a print shop in Germany.  He was instrumental in saving many of Voltaire's works which might otherwise have been lost.

This statue by Louis Clausade (1895) sits in a triangle in the Marais.

Beaumarchais statue
Rue Saint Antoine et Rue des Tournelles
Métro Bastille
75004 Paris
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20 comments:

  1. French Girl in SeattleOctober 8, 2011 at 2:11 AM

    Very interesting Genie. I have never noticed this statue before... and I needed to be reminded of Beaumarchais' many accomplishments. Bon weekend! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  2. Sylvia KOctober 8, 2011 at 2:22 AM

    What a terrific and very interesting post, Genie! I always learn something wonderful from your posts! Bon weekend, mon amie!

    Sylvia

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  3. diveOctober 8, 2011 at 3:25 AM

    A true cultural hero. And a fine statue, too. I love the way he's almost stepping off the plinth.

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  4. LouiseOctober 8, 2011 at 5:34 AM

    Lovely to see, and informative. Thanks Genie.

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  5. Elizabeth at Eiffel TellsOctober 8, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    I love the Marais and had walked by this statue not knowing its histroy. Thank you.
    Bon weekend.

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  6. brattcatOctober 8, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    Well done, Monsieur.

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  7. MOctober 8, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    What a delightful way to learn history ... Thank you for doing the research and enlightening us. Lovely photo --- Paris bleu sky! Bon weekend!

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  8. AlexaOctober 8, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    Well, sounds like readers and theater-goers both owe him a debt of gratitude. As Sylvia said, we've learned a lot from you! Bon weekend --

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  9. VirginiaOctober 8, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    WE're both in the Marais today, but it's a great place to be!
    Bon weekend,
    V

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  10. UnknownOctober 8, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    I like the composition with the beautiful building in the background.

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  11. AnonymousOctober 8, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    I always wondered where Le Barbier de Seville came from! This man seems to have been a "jack of all trades".
    I learn something new everyday about the French from your blog. I love it!

    Kris

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  12. Lynne with an eOctober 8, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    I can't help but wonder what he did in his spare time.

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  13. StarmanOctober 8, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    You should have tried the fish-on-a-stick at the café across the street.

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  14. Karen XavierOctober 8, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    My lesson in Paris history is done for the day! Interesting post! Keep them coming.

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  15. JamesOctober 8, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Excellent shot! I like the composition.

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  16. Draffin BearsOctober 8, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    Hi Genie,

    Interesting post and photograph and that is why I love visiting blogs so much we can learn from others.
    Thanks for the sharing the history of this remarkable man.

    Happy weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  17. Genie -- Paris and BeyondOctober 8, 2011 at 11:38 PM

    Starman, I will put that on my list for the next time.

    I had to "hunt" to find the name for this statue, not on my photos as I did not shoot an archive photo for that purpose. So, I had to figure out where it was exactly (no problem) and then search to find his name. After that it was much easier. My point of all the rambling is this. How much of what you see when you travel do you really understand? Can you imagine how many statues there are in Paris? Who are all of these people, significant in some way, memorable enough that an artist crafted a bronze or marble statue?

    It boggles my mind and I need to continue to be alert to the details. Without this blog, I might never have taken the time to find out... Thanks for visiting, and thanks for wanting to know more. M. Beaumarchais was way cool.

    Bises,
    Genie

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  18. Paris PaulOctober 9, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    Looks like you got is good side. He seems pretty proud of himself here!

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  19. LaPouyetteOctober 10, 2011 at 4:02 AM

    What a character and multi-talented Bonmarchais was!
    Wonderful statue, wonderful posture!
    Amicalement,
    karin

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  20. LaPouyetteOctober 10, 2011 at 4:06 AM

    sorry, I mean Beaumarchais of course!

    In a way the statue looks comme il 'marche beau/bon' - amazing!

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Merci for your comments!