JASMIN, JACQUES (1798-1864), Provençal poet, was born at Agen, his family name being Boe. In 1825 he published his first volume of Papillotos ("Curl Papers"), containing poems in French, and in the familiar Agen patois—the popular speech of the working classes. Jasmin was the most famous forerunner in Provençal literature (q.v.) of Mistral and the Felibrige. His poetic gift, and his flexible voice and action, fitted him admirably for this double role of troubadour and jongleur. In 1835 he recited his "Blind Girl of Castel-Cuille" at Bordeaux, in 1836 at Toulouse; and he met with an enthusiastic reception in both those important cities. Most of his public recitations were given for benevolent purposes, the proceeds being contributed by him to the restoration of the church of Vergt and other good works.
Four successive volumes of Papillotos were published during his lifetime, mostly pictures of humble life—in many cases real episodes—carefully elaborated by the poet. In 1852 Jasmin's works were crowned by the Academie Francaise, and a pension was awarded him. His title of "Maistre es Jeux" is a distinction only conferred by the academy of Toulouse on illustrious writ ers. Pius IX. sent him the insignia of a knight of St. Gregory the Great, and he was made chevalier of the Legion of Honour. He spent the latter years of his life on a small estate which he had bought near Agen and named "Papillotos," and which he describes in Ma Bigno ("My Vine"). He died on Oct. 4, See P. Marieton, Jacques Jasmin (1898).