Ronsard and the Visual Arts: A Study of Poetic Creativity

Abstract

This study seeks to show how Ronsard expanded his poetic techniques through his knowledge of and collaboration with artists working at the French Court, and through an awareness of how their power of display could be transferred and -in consequence- extend his own creative capacity. His attempts to emulate and surpass the work of Francesco Primaticcio and Nicolo dell'Abate are explored through specific examples: the grotto at Meudon, Ronsard's lyre and the theme. Apollo and the Muses. From these comparisions, Ronsard's conviction that poetry is superior to painting in its ability to capture and transmit forms as they change is abundantly clear. The poet's collaboration with artists for royal spectacles show the continuity of his preoccupation with reproducing in verse the modes and achivements of artists. That concern is demonstrated in the overall coherence of his lifelong exploitation of visualising hidden thoughts and complex feeling -a feat both acknowledged and admired by his contemporaries.