Andre Breton, a prominent figure in the Surrealist movement, was born on February 19, 1896, in France. He was raised in a middle-class family and showed an early interest in literature and art. Breton studied medicine and psychiatry, receiving his medical degree in 1915.
During World War I, Breton worked at a hospital in Nantes, France, where he witnessed the horrors of war first-hand. This experience had a profound impact on him and influenced his later work as a writer and poet.
After the war, Breton moved to Paris, where he became involved in the city's vibrant art and literary scene. In 1919, he founded the Litterature journal, which quickly became a platform for avant-garde writers and artists.
In 1924, Breton wrote the Surrealist Manifesto, outlining the principles of the Surrealist movement. Surrealism, as defined by Breton, was a literary and artistic movement that sought to unlock the subconscious mind and tap into the realm of dreams and fantasies. Breton's works, such as "L'Amour Fou" and "Nadja," exemplified these ideas and established him as a leading figure in the Surrealist movement.
Throughout his life, Breton was known for his tumultuous relationships. He was married three times, first to Simone Kahn, then to artist Jacqueline Lamba, and finally to writer Elisa Claro. His second marriage to Lamba resulted in the birth of a daughter, Aube Breton.
Aside from his personal life, Breton was also an avid art collector. He owned works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, and Diego Rivera, reflecting his deep appreciation for visual arts.
Andre Breton's contributions to art and literature have had a lasting impact on the Surrealist movement. His writings and ideas continue to inspire artists and writers around the world, and his role as a pioneer of Surrealism is firmly established in art history.
Breton's legacy lives on through his extensive body of work, which continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of the subconscious mind and the boundaries of creative expression.