The Prix Goncourt remains the preeminent annual French literary award, established in the name of Jules de Goncourt to celebrate excellence in prose. As a writer, critic, and historian, he produced a vast array of collaborative literature that explored social dynamics and historical narratives, marking his contribution to the development of the naturalism movement in nineteenth-century France.
Formative Years and Inheritance
Born in Paris in 1830, Jules was the son of a former Grande Armée cavalry officer, Marc-Pierre Huot de Goncourt. His academic training took place at the Lycée Condorcet between 1842 and 1848, where he demonstrated proficiency in Latin and Greek. Following the death of his parents, Jules and his older brother Edmond secured financial independence, which provided them the means to pursue dedicated scholarly and artistic research.
Artistic Scholarship and Literary Collaboration
The brothers initially focused their energies on art history and the documentation of eighteenth-century culture. Their series L'Art du XVIIIe Siècle, initiated in 1856, eventually spanned 12 fascicles and sought to capture the evolution of an era through its material culture. This interest extended to a private collection of prints, drawings, and ephemera that transformed their residence at Villa Montmorency into a destination for contemporary intellectuals.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Advancement of Naturalism
In the 1860s, the siblings turned toward the novel, applying the techniques of naturalism to examine social strata. Their 1864 work, Germinie Lacerteux, broke new ground as an early realistic portrayal of working-class life. The narrative was inspired by their own housekeeper, who engaged in illicit activities to support a hidden existence. Beyond prose, their play Henriette Maréchal appeared at the Comédie-Française in 1865, reflecting their diverse output as novelists and playwrights.
Final Years and Legacy
Jules de Goncourt experienced periodic conflicts with authority, including a brief imprisonment in the Hôtel des Haricots in 1862 for refusing National Guard service. His life ended prematurely in 1870 at age 39 due to a stroke resulting from syphilis. He is interred at the Montmartre Cemetery. Following his passing, Edmond continued their collaborative projects, including studies on Louis XV’s mistresses and the maintenance of their joint personal journal.
Fast facts
- Born: 1830, Paris
- Died: 1870, Paris
- Education: Lycée Condorcet
- Movement: Naturalism
- Burial site: Montmartre Cemetery
- Notable novel: Germinie Lacerteux
- Primary collaborator: Edmond de Goncourt
Questions readers ask
What is the nature of the Goncourt brothers' collaboration?
They functioned as a singular unit, co-authoring numerous novels, historical studies, and a lengthy personal journal that provided insight into 19th-century French social life.
Why was Jules de Goncourt imprisoned in 1862?
He was held at the Hôtel des Haricots for several days after refusing to serve in the National Guard.
Where is Jules de Goncourt buried?
He is buried in the Montmartre Cemetery alongside his brother, Edmond.
