“Who was Benserade?” you might ask as we stand here on Rue Benserade. This street whispers tales of a minor French poet. He frequented the courts of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. Isaac de Benserade was his name.
Rue Benserade is more than just a street. It is a connection to a man who lived from 1612 to 1691. Benserade’s journey began in Normandy or Paris. He became a prominent figure in Parisian literary circles.
In 1634, Benserade started visiting the salon of the Marquise de Rambouillet. This salon was the literary center of Paris. Here, he crafted romantic verses. These verses built his reputation.
The “sonnets controversy” of 1649 marked a turning point. His sonnet “Job” was pitted against Vincent Voiture’s “Uranie”. This debate ignited the court. It was a lively discussion about poetic style. Benserade was deemed the loser. Yet, he became a favorite.
Benserade wrote libretti for royal ballets. His wit was often daring and even impertinent. The court audiences loved it. In 1674, he was elected to the French Academy.
However, criticism followed in 1676. His Metamorphoses d’Ovide en rondeaux was not well-received. Despite this, Benserade supported Jean de La Fontaine’s candidacy for the academy. He also defended Pierre Bayle’s rationalism. Censorship threatened Bayle.
Exploring Rue Benserade is like stepping back in time. Imagine the Paris of the 17th century. Picture Benserade walking these streets. He might be on his way to a salon. Perhaps he is heading to the royal court.
The interactive map of Paris reveals much. It shows the naming chronology of Parisian streets. The Département de la Topographie et de la Documentation Foncière created it. The Bureau de la Géomatique also helped. This map allows us to delve into Paris’s past.
The map traces back to 1873. The city has maintained and updated it ever since. As you navigate Paris, hover over a street that interests you. Details about its status and naming history await.
So, as we stand on Rue Benserade, remember Isaac de Benserade. He was a poet of the French court. His verses and wit echo through time. This street is a testament to his legacy. It connects us to the literary heart of old Paris.