# André Breton

> French writer and poet, co-founder of Surrealism (1896–1966)

**Wikidata**: [Q161955](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q161955)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/André_Breton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/andre-breton

## Summary
André Breton was a French writer and poet recognized as the co-founder of Surrealism. He is best known for authoring the *Surrealist Manifesto*, which defined the movement's principles and established him as a central figure in 20th-century art and literature.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 19, 1896
- **Nationality**: France
- **Education**: Lycée Chaptal
- **Known for**: Co-founding Surrealism; writing the *Surrealist Manifesto*
- **Employer(s)**: None listed in source material
- **Field(s)**: Writing, Poetry, Novelism, Essayism, Art Theory, Photography, Drafting

## Contributions
André Breton's primary contribution was the formulation and leadership of the Surrealist movement. He authored the *Surrealist Manifesto*, a foundational text that articulated the movement's intentions and principles. His notable works include *Nadja* (1928), *What is Surrealism?* (1934), and *Arcane 17* (1945). As an art theorist and critic, he played a pivotal role in defining the movement's aesthetic boundaries and fostering collaborations with artists like René Magritte. He was affiliated with the publication *VVV*, a magazine launched in 1942, and his personal art collection included significant works such as *Mystery and Melancholy of a Street* by Giorgio de Chirico and *The Harlequin's Carnival* by Joan Miró.

## FAQs
**What was André Breton's role in Surrealism?**
André Breton was the co-founder and primary theorist of Surrealism. He authored the *Surrealist Manifesto*, which established the movement's intellectual framework and goals.

**What are André Breton's most famous written works?**
His most famous works include the *Surrealist Manifesto*, the novel *Nadja* (1928), the essay collection *What is Surrealism?* (1934), and *Arcane 17* (1945).

**Who were André Breton's notable artistic associates?**
Breton was associated with Belgian surrealist René Magritte and was connected to the artist association Abstraction-Création. He also owned works by Giorgio de Chirico and Joan Miró.

**What educational institutions was André Breton connected to?**
André Breton received his education at the Lycée Chaptal, a high school located in Paris, France.

## Why They Matter
André Breton matters as the architect of Surrealism, one of the most influential artistic and literary movements of the 20th century. By formalizing the movement through his manifestos, he provided a theoretical framework that liberated art from rational constraints, championing the unconscious mind and automatic writing. His influence extended beyond literature into visual arts, deeply impacting contemporaries like René Magritte and shaping the trajectory of modern art history. His collection of works, such as *The Harlequin's Carnival*, and his leadership in publications like *VVV*, cemented his role as a central hub for avant-garde creativity.

## Notable For
- Co-founder of Surrealism.
- Author of the *Surrealist Manifesto*.
- Nicknamed "Le pape du surréalisme" (The Pope of Surrealism).
- Author of *Nadja* (1928), *What is Surrealism?* (1934), and *Arcane 17* (1945).
- Association with the magazine *VVV*.
- Connection to the *Refus Global* manifesto context.
- Ownership of *Mystery and Melancholy of a Street* (Giorgio de Chirico).
- Ownership of *The Harlequin's Carnival* (Joan Miró).

## Body
### Early Life and Education
André Robert Breton was born on February 19, 1896. He was a French citizen who received his education at the Lycée Chaptal in Paris, France. This educational foundation preceded his emergence as a leading figure in the European avant-garde.

### Career and Literary Output
Breton occupied multiple roles throughout his career, working as a writer, poet, novelist, essayist, and art theorist. He also engaged in photography and draftsmanship. His literary legacy is defined by his leadership of the Surrealist movement, which he co-founded. He articulated the movement's ideology in the *Surrealist Manifesto*, a critical declaration of principles.

His bibliography includes several significant titles:
- *Nadja* (1928)
- *What is Surrealism?* (1934)
- *Arcane 17* (1945)

Breton was also involved with *VVV*, a magazine that began publication in 1942, serving as a platform for Surrealist thought during the war years.

### Artistic Associations and Collections
Breton was deeply embedded in the art world, maintaining affiliations with key artists and groups. He was associated with René Magritte, the Belgian surrealist painter known for works like *The Treachery of Images*. Breton was also connected to the artist association Abstraction-Création, founded in 1931.

His personal collection and curatorial interests included notable artworks:
- *Mystery and Melancholy of a Street* (1914) by Giorgio de Chirico.
- *The Harlequin's Carnival* (1924) by Joan Miró.

### Legacy and Death
André Breton passed away on September 28, 1966. He left behind a legacy encapsulated by his moniker "Le pape du surréalisme" (The Pope of Surrealism). His influence extended to various cultural touchstones, including the *Refus Global*, a manifesto from 1948, highlighting his broad impact on radical art movements. His life and work are documented extensively, with 89 sitelinks and numerous identifiers across library and academic databases worldwide.

## References

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44. [Source](http://www.nobelprize.org/nomination/archive/show.php?id=18154)
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