GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE

Born on 26 August 1880 in the Italian city of Rome, Guillaume Apollinaire was a French poet, short story writer, playwright, art critic and novelist. He is regarded as one of the foremost and prominent figures of his century. Apollinaire spent most of his childhood travelling in Europe and hence, developed an obsession and charm for diverse cultures and traditions. After attaining the job of a bank clerk, he became friends with innovative and forward-looking artists, namely Picasso, Georges Braque, Henri Rousseau, and Marcel Duchamp. Awed by the beauty of Rhineland, he started writing verse by capturing the beauty of the place along with its rich traditions. Having suffered a period of six day imprisonment, Apollinaire was falsely accused for the theft of the famous artwork, Mona Lisa. A man of patriotism and bravery, he joined the armed forces in order to serve his duties for his nation. During this period of time, he suffered a head wound and had to be rushed to the hospital. Weakened by this, Apollinaire died of influenza two days before the Armistice Day. He is often regarded as the father of surrealism and the most impassioned defender of cubism. Some of Apollinaire's famous works include 'The Breasts of Tiresias', 'Le Poète assassiné', 'Le Bestiaire' and 'L’Enchanteur pourrissant'. A man of utter fame and honour, Apollinaire is indeed an inspiration for the coming generations.