Born in Tours on the 25th of June in 1858, the man immortalized in bronze before you, Georges Courteline, lived until his 71st birthday. Yes, he died in Paris on the very same day he was born. This is the Georges Courteline Bust.
Georges Courteline, a famous French writer and playwright, is remembered here. The Georges Courteline Bust stands in the square named after him. The square is located at the crossroads of Avenue de Saint-Mandé and Avenue de Picpus.
Now, why a bust for Georges Courteline? Courteline, born Georges Victor Marcel Moinaux, adopted his pseudonym to distinguish himself from his father, Jules Moinaux. His father was also a writer.
Courteline began his literary career in 1881. He wrote for “Paris Moderne.” He later became known for his satirical works. His writings often depicted civil servants. He captured them as being consumed by their status.
Look closely at the Georges Courteline Bust. Sculptor Beneteau-Desgrois created this bronze likeness. The Barbedienne foundry cast it. The city inaugurated the monument in 1935. It was a project initiated by Courteline’s wife. She wanted to honor her husband.
Take note of the inscription on the back. It reads “Félix Benneteau GEORGES / COURTELINE / NE A TOURS / LE 25 JUIN 1858 / MORT A PARIS / LE 25 JUIN 1929.”
Georges Courteline had a unique connection to Montmartre. Every summer, his family stayed in a villa there. He met many Second Empire theater celebrities. These encounters left a lasting impression on him.
Georges Courteline also served in the military. He was in the 13th regiment of chasseurs à cheval. This experience inspired some of his satires. Later, he worked at the Ministry of the Interior.
Let’s talk about one of Courteline’s best-known works. It is titled “Messieurs les ronds-de-cuir.” It offers a funny and fierce critique. It is about a certain type of administration from his time.
Georges Courteline co-founded the goguette du Cornet in 1896. He stopped writing in 1912. From then, he managed the rights to his theatrical works. His plays were adapted into films. He received the Legion of Honor. He also received other awards.
Georges Courteline’s legacy extends beyond his writings. The term “courtelinesque” is derived from his name. It describes characters or situations in real life that resemble those in his works. These are often bureaucratic absurdities. They mirror those in his famous “Messieurs les Ronds de cuir.”
Before us stands the Georges Courteline Bust. It commemorates a life dedicated to observing. He keenly observed and hilariously skewered the absurdities of French society. He invites us to laugh at ourselves. He urges us to recognize the “courtelinesque” elements in our own lives.