Théophile Gautier

Gautier, Théophile (1811–72), French poet, novelist, and critic. He was a supporter of the aesthetic movement calling for “art for art's sake,” which he explained in the preface to his novel Mademoiselle de Maupin (1835–36). He wrote art, drama, and ballet criticism. His volumes of verse include Enamels and Cameos (1852).