Jacques Peletier du Mans, also known as Jacques Peletier or Jacobus Peletarius, was a French poet, humanist, and mathematician who lived during the Renaissance period. He was born around 1517 in the city of Le Mans, France, and died in 1582 in Paris.
Peletier was considered one of the prominent figures of the Pléiade, a group of French Renaissance poets who sought to revive and enhance French literature by drawing inspiration from classical Greek and Roman works. He was known for his contributions to poetry, but also for his interest in mathematics and humanist studies.
As a poet, Peletier is credited with popularizing the use of the sonnet form in French poetry. He experimented with various themes and styles, blending together humanist ideas, allegory, and mythological references in his works. His poetry, often written in vernacular French, showcased his mastery of language and his desire to elevate the status of the French language in the literary world.
In addition to his poetic achievements, Peletier was also a notable mathematician. He was known for his treatise on arithmetic, "Les éléments de l'arithmétique", published in 1552. This work highlighted his mathematical prowess and analytical thinking, further establishing his reputation as a multifaceted scholar.
Overall, Jacques Peletier du Mans was a Renaissance scholar who excelled in both poetry and mathematics, leaving a lasting impact on French literature. His contribution to the development of the sonnet form in French poetry and his pursuit of knowledge in various fields make him a significant figure of the Renaissance period in France.
