Théophile Gautier Poet and writer in Venice (1811-1872)

Théophile Gautier, photo by Nadar in 1857

Théophile Gautier The words of Théophile Gautier, talented writer and poet, are among the most beautiful we know about Venice.

Fortunately for us, artists and art lovers at heart, he left us many magnificent texts about Venice.

Here are some of the poems he wrote about La Serenissima.

First, a tribute to the stone lions that stand guard at the entrance to the Arsenale in Venice.

Two great lions

“Two great lions brought back from Attica
Stand guard at the walls of the Arsenal
Peacefully, and near the ancient couple,
Everything is small, the gate, the tower and the canal.

They seem made for Cybele's chariot,
So proud are they, and the mother of the gods
Would bend their rebellious necks to the yoke,
If she left the heavens for the earth.

But now they guard the postern gate,
Sad, without glory, and here we hear
The modern winged cat meowing everywhere
That Venice has chosen as its patron!”
Théophile Gautier - Voyage d'Italie 1852