Jacques d'Adelswärd-Fersen was a French novelist and poet, best known for his scandalous life on the island of Capri, which inspired numerous literary works, including Roger Peyrefitte's 1959 novel, The Exile of Capri.
His tumultuous life, marked by controversy and self-imposed exile, has fascinated writers and artists for generations, making him a character in his own right, featuring in novels by Compton MacKenzie and others.
Born on February 20, 1880, in Paris, France, Jacques d'Adelswärd was the son of Axel d'Adelswärd and Louise-Émilie Alexandrine d'Adelswärd née Vührer.
His maternal grandfather, Thomas Michel Alexandre Vührer, was a referendary at the French Ministry of State, director of Le Paris-Journal, and founder of the Parisian newspaper Le Soir.
In 1903, a scandal involving school pupils led to d'Adelswärd being ostracized from Parisian society, dashing his marriage plans and prompting his self-imposed exile to Capri.
It was on the island that he met his longtime lover, Nino Cesarini, and began his life as a recluse, surrounded by the beauty of the Mediterranean.
d'Adelswärd-Fersen's home on Capri, Villa Lysis, became a haven for creativity, where he spent most of his life writing and entertaining fellow artists and writers.
Today, the villa remains one of Capri's most popular tourist attractions, a testament to the enduring legacy of the poet and his island paradise.
d'Adelswärd-Fersen's literary works, though often overshadowed by his scandalous life, are a testament to his poetic talents.
His writing often explored themes of love, beauty, and the human condition, drawing inspiration from his experiences on Capri and his relationships with the people around him.
d'Adelswärd-Fersen's life and works have had a lasting impact on modern society, inspiring generations of writers, artists, and thinkers.
His story has been immortalized in literature, art, and popular culture, ensuring his legacy as a symbol of creativity, nonconformity, and the human spirit.
"The Mediterranean is my country, and Capri is my home."
"I am not a poet, I am a poet's shadow."
d'Adelswärd-Fersen's life and works are a testament to the power of creativity and nonconformity in the face of adversity.
His legacy continues to inspire artists, writers, and thinkers, ensuring his place in the pantheon of literary greats.
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