Clément Marot

Clément Marot (1496 – September 1544) was a French poet of the Renaissance era, associated with the court of King Francis I of France. Born in Cahors, Marot was the son of poet Jean Marot, and became a page to the queen, Anne of Brittany. His early works included "Le Temple de Cupidon" and "L'Adolescence Clémentine," which established him as a prominent poet. He was imprisoned on religious charges, but later pardoned by the king. Marot translated a portion of the Bible into French, including the Psalms, which led to a religious controversy. He eventually sought refuge in Italy before returning to France to work on the French translation of Ovid's "Metamorphoses." Marot's poetry combined courtly, satirical, and religious themes, and he influenced future generations of poets, including Pierre de Ronsard and Joachim du Bellay.