Deaths on March 27

Jean-Jacques Ampère, French philologist and academic (b. 1800)

Jean-Jacques Ampère: A French Philologist's Intellectual Journey

Jean-Jacques Ampère (August 12, 1800 – March 27, 1864) stands as a prominent figure in 19th-century French intellectual life, celebrated as a distinguished philologist and a prolific man of letters. Born in the vibrant city of Lyon, his early life was marked by both intellectual promise and personal loss. He was the sole son of the immensely influential physicist, André-Marie Ampère (1775–1836), renowned for his foundational work in electromagnetism. Sadly, Jean-Jacques’ mother passed away during his infancy, though his father later had a daughter, Albine (1807–1842), with his second wife. Interestingly, the name Jean-Jacques carried a significant family legacy; his paternal grandfather, also named Jean-Jacques Ampère, met a tragic end, executed in Lyon in 1793 during the tumultuous French Revolution. His own resting place, at the historic Montmartre Cemetery in Paris, identifies him with the full name, Jean-Jacques Antoine Ampère, a subtle but intriguing detail from his life.

Early Life and European Discoveries

Possessing an insatiable curiosity, the younger Ampère embarked on an extensive tour through northern Europe, a journey that deeply shaped his intellectual pursuits. During this time, he dedicated himself to the study of the rich tapestry of folk songs and popular poetry that characterized the Scandinavian countries. This immersive experience laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking contributions to French literary scholarship. Upon his return to France in 1830, Ampère brought his newfound knowledge to the forefront, delivering a captivating series of lectures on Scandinavian and early German poetry at the esteemed Athenaeum in Marseille. The profound impact of these lectures was immediately evident, with the first of the series published as "De l'Histoire de la poésie" (1830). This seminal work served as virtually the first introduction for the French public to the epic traditions of Scandinavia and Germany, opening new cultural horizons and fostering an appreciation for these previously less-explored literary landscapes.

Academic Career and Scholarly Tours

Ampère's career soon led him to the heart of French intellectual life: Paris. Here, his academic prowess flourished as he taught at the venerable Sorbonne, a bastion of learning, before being appointed professor of the history of French literature at the prestigious Collège de France. His scholarly endeavors were not confined to lecture halls; he believed in experiencing cultures firsthand. A significant journey to northern Africa in 1841 broadened his perspectives, which was soon followed by an illuminating tour through Greece and Italy. This grand tour was undertaken in the esteemed company of several distinguished intellectuals of his time, including the celebrated writer Prosper Mérimée, the archaeologist Jean de Witte, and the Hellenist Charles Lenormant. This particular expedition proved incredibly fruitful, inspiring his "Voyage dantesque," a work later published within his comprehensive "Grèce, Rome et Dante" (1848). This publication played a pivotal role in popularizing the study of Dante Alighieri and his monumental "Divine Comedy" in France, making the great Italian poet more accessible to a wider French audience and deepening the nation's engagement with classical Italian literature.

Later Years, Major Works, and Lasting Legacy

The year 1848 marked a significant milestone in Jean-Jacques Ampère's career when he was elected a member of the venerable Académie française, one of France's highest honors for those who have distinguished themselves in the French language. His adventurous spirit led him across the Atlantic in 1851 for a visit to America, further broadening his global outlook. From this period until his passing, Ampère dedicated himself primarily to what would become his magnum opus: "L'Histoire romaine à Rome" (Roman History in Rome). This monumental work, spanning four volumes, was published between 1861 and 1864, offering a comprehensive and detailed account of Roman history, reflecting his deep philological and historical expertise. He continued this work until his death in Pau on March 27, 1864.

The intellectual legacy of the Ampère family was further cemented by the posthumous publication of "Correspondence et souvenirs" (2 vols.) in 1875, a collection of letters and memoirs spanning the years 1805–1854, offering intimate insights into the relationship between André-Marie and Jean-Jacques Ampère. Further recognition of his contributions can be found in the works of his contemporaries: Sainte-Beuve's "Portraits littéraires," vol. iv., and "Nouveaux Lundis," vol. xiii.; in Prosper Mérimée's "Portraits historiques et littéraires" (2nd ed., 1875); and within Alexis de Tocqueville's insightful "Recollections" (1893). These testimonials underscore his respected position within the intellectual circles of 19th-century France and his lasting impact as a philologist, historian, and man of letters.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jean-Jacques Ampère

Who was Jean-Jacques Ampère?

Jean-Jacques Ampère (1800–1864) was a distinguished French philologist and man of letters, known for his extensive studies in literature, history, and languages. He played a significant role in introducing Scandinavian and German poetry, as well as popularizing Dante, to the French public.

What was his relationship to André-Marie Ampère?

Jean-Jacques Ampère was the only son of the renowned physicist André-Marie Ampère, who is famous for his foundational work in electromagnetism and from whom the unit of electric current (the 'ampere') is named. He carried on his father's intellectual legacy in the humanities.

What were his major contributions to literature and philology?

His key contributions include being one of the first to introduce Scandinavian and early German epics to France through his lectures and the work "De l'Histoire de la poésie." He also significantly popularized the study of Dante in France with his "Voyage dantesque." As a philologist, he focused on language, literature, and culture, particularly through his extensive travels and academic roles.

Which institutions was he associated with?

Jean-Jacques Ampère taught at the Sorbonne and later held the prestigious position of professor of the history of French literature at the Collège de France. He was also elected as a member of the Académie française in 1848.

What was his most significant work?

His chief work, and a culmination of his historical scholarship, was "L'Histoire romaine à Rome" (Roman History in Rome), a four-volume comprehensive study published between 1861 and 1864, reflecting his deep understanding of classical history.