Art and Poetry

The French philosopher’s treatise on the nature of art and poetry includes enlightening critiques of major painters and dialogues with notable writers.

Originally published in 1935 with the title Frontières de la Poésie, this work by Jacques Maritain explores the nature and subjectivity of art and poetry. As a philosopher, Maritain attempts to define the two concepts, describing them as virtuous, being primarily concerned with beauty. Rather than focusing on aesthetic theory, Maritain examines his ideas at a more tangible level, including a discussion of how art and poetry are produced.

Art and Poetry further develops the principles established in Maritain’s earlier work, Art and Scholasticism, which has deeply influenced contemporary artists. Those concepts are employed here to illuminate the creative works of such diverse artists as Georges Rouault, Marc Chagall, Gino Severini, and Arthur Lourié. Maritain also relates fascinating dialogues with notable authors such as André Gide, Jean Cocteau, and others.