Author. He was a French author of the late 19th century. His first publication merited jail time when it appeared in the "Revue fantaisiste." He went on to publish his first volume of poems "Philomela" in 1863. This and his later volumes established him firmly as a Parnassian, dedicated to strict meter and the selection of only classical subjects. He segued into play writing both comedies like "La Part du roi," dramas as with "Justice" and light operas. His work "Les Meres Ennemies," and "La Femme de Tabarin" were very successful. His last play "La Vierge d'Avila" in 1906 featured Sarah Bernhardt. His first critical work "Richard Wagner" was published in 1886, following by a collection of dramatic criticisms "L'Art au theatre", a three volume set. Of his five novels, the most well known is "Le Roi verge." He married twice, but after divorcing his first wife, he had five children, including three daughters with his mistress, Augusta Holmes, a composer, before marrying for the second time. His friendship with Auguste Renoir would assure their three daughters would find lasting fame due to Renoir's painting "A portrait of Mendes' daughters, Hugette, Claudine, and Heylonne." Returning home from Paris in the early morning hours, it is believed he prematurely opened the door to his train compartment. He was found dead on the tracks later that day. Over his lifetime, he published six volumes of poetry, sixteen plays, and five novels.
Author. He was a French author of the late 19th century. His first publication merited jail time when it appeared in the "Revue fantaisiste." He went on to publish his first volume of poems "Philomela" in 1863. This and his later volumes established him firmly as a Parnassian, dedicated to strict meter and the selection of only classical subjects. He segued into play writing both comedies like "La Part du roi," dramas as with "Justice" and light operas. His work "Les Meres Ennemies," and "La Femme de Tabarin" were very successful. His last play "La Vierge d'Avila" in 1906 featured Sarah Bernhardt. His first critical work "Richard Wagner" was published in 1886, following by a collection of dramatic criticisms "L'Art au theatre", a three volume set. Of his five novels, the most well known is "Le Roi verge." He married twice, but after divorcing his first wife, he had five children, including three daughters with his mistress, Augusta Holmes, a composer, before marrying for the second time. His friendship with Auguste Renoir would assure their three daughters would find lasting fame due to Renoir's painting "A portrait of Mendes' daughters, Hugette, Claudine, and Heylonne." Returning home from Paris in the early morning hours, it is believed he prematurely opened the door to his train compartment. He was found dead on the tracks later that day. Over his lifetime, he published six volumes of poetry, sixteen plays, and five novels.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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