Le Cygne (journal)

Le Cygne was a short-lived but influential French Symbolist literary journal published in 1887. It was founded and edited by Félix Fénéon, a prominent art critic and intellectual figure of the late 19th century. While only four issues were produced between March and June of that year, Le Cygne is remembered for showcasing the works of key Symbolist poets and writers, as well as for Fénéon's own critical contributions.

The journal's name, "Le Cygne" (The Swan), is evocative of Symbolist themes, referencing beauty, purity, and the ideal. The swan image itself was often used by Symbolist poets like Stéphane Mallarmé as a symbol of artistic aspiration and the struggle to achieve perfection.

Contributors to Le Cygne included Jules Laforgue, Laurent Tailhade, and Gustave Kahn, all significant figures in the Symbolist movement. Fénéon's own articles in the journal were notable for their sharp wit and insightful analysis of contemporary literature and art.

Despite its brief run, Le Cygne played a role in solidifying the aesthetic principles of Symbolism and providing a platform for its early practitioners. It remains a valuable historical document for understanding the development of this important literary movement.