León de Greiff: A Wild and Eccentric Poet Who Left a Lasting Legacy on Colombian Literature
Francisco de Asís León Bogislao de Greiff Häusler AKA ‘León de Greiff’ was one of the most important poets of the 20th century in Colombia. He was known for his wild personality, his experimental poetry, and his love of controversy. His work left a lasting legacy on Colombian literature and culture.
Ancestral roots and early life
León de Greiff was born in Medellín, Colombia, on July 22, 1895. He was of Swedish and German ancestry. His father, Luis De Greiff Obregón, was a Swedish engineer and geographer who moved to Colombia in 1825. His mother, Amalia Häusler Rincón, was a German immigrant.
De Greiff's ancestry had a significant impact on his life and work. His Swedish heritage gave him a love of nature and a sense of adventure. His German heritage gave him a love of learning and a passion for intellectual inquiry.
De Greiff's early life was marked by tragedy. His mother died when he was just six years old, and his father died when he was ten. He was raised by his grandmother, who was a devout Catholic.
Education and early literary career
De Greiff attended the University of Antioquia, where he studied law and philosophy. However, he was more interested in literature than in law. He began writing poetry at a young age, and his work was published in several Colombian literary magazines.
In 1915, De Greiff co-founded the Los Panidas literary group, which was known for its avant-garde work. The group's members were interested in experimenting with new forms and styles of poetry.
De Greiff's first book of poetry, Piedra y cielo (Stone and Sky), was published in 1916. The book was a critical and commercial success, and it established De Greiff as one of the leading poets of his generation.
Experimental poetry and controversial personality
De Greiff's poetry was known for its experimental style and its use of obscure language. He was also known for his controversial personality. He was a heavy smoker and drinker, and he often showed up to social events in a drunken state.
De Greiff's poetry often dealt with themes of love, death, and the nature of reality. He was also interested in exploring the relationship between the individual and society.
De Greiff's poetry was not always well-received by critics. Some critics found his work to be obscure and pretentious. However, De Greiff's supporters argued that his poetry was complex and challenging, and that it offered new insights into the human condition.
Diplomatic career and later life
De Greiff served as the Colombian consul in Sweden and Argentina. He also taught literature at several universities in Colombia.
In his later years, De Greiff became increasingly reclusive. He lived in a small apartment in Bogotá, and he rarely went out in public.
De Greiff died in Bogotá on July 11, 1976. He was 80 years old.
Legacy
De Greiff was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a poet, a diplomat, and a social critic, as well as a wild and eccentric character. His work left a lasting legacy on Colombian literature and culture.
De Greiff's poetry is still studied and admired by critics and poets today. He is considered to be one of the most important poets of the 20th century in Colombia.