Viktors Eglītis was a Latvian writer and art theorist. He was a leading figure in the Latvian decadent movement and an introducer of modernist poetics.
Back in Latvia, he adapted the ideas of Russian symbolism for Latvian literature and art theory. In 1902, he used the term "decadence" to designate his writings. In various articles, he laid out his poetics which were opposed to moral schemes, abstraction and realism, and instead promoted artistic individualism. He was well received by a number of young writers, who along with Eglītis wanted to refocus the language of poetry, which was dominated by well-defined lyrical forms and clear narratives, to symbols and signs that were not always easy to decipher. With this they wished to provide a sense of mystery and prophecy, and leave room for subtlety and subconscious impulses. This poetic is prominent in Eglītis' poetry collectionElēģijas and short story collectionVērtības pārvērtējot. Eglītis also illustrated his own books with symbolic drawings. In addition to the enthusiasm from his followers, Eglītis' often aggressive introduction of modernist principles was also met with vocal opposition. After the outbursts of his early works, the prolific Eglītis gradually turned to a more neoclassical and realistic expression; toward the end of his career he even launched the slogan "Away with modernism!" In the 1920s he was an established and much read literary figure in Latvia, with works characterised by positivism and maximalism. From the end of the 1920s, he moved in an increasingly patriotic direction. He wrote historical fiction where he depicted the Baltic nations in opposition to other countries, primarily Germany. He turned to the Baltic neopaganism of the Dievturība movement. Late in his life he also came to express antisemitic views and support for the politics of Adolf Hitler.
Death and legacy
In 1944, Eglītis was convicted in a Soviet court, accused of being a fascist collaborator. He died in prison on 20 April 1945. During the Soviet era, he was almost never discussed, remained unread and was largely forgotten. After Latvia regained its independence, Eglītis began to be rediscovered and gained status as the country's leading decadent writer. The literary scholar Vera Vāvere published a biography on Eglītis in 2012.
Personal life
Eglītis married the teacher and translator Marija Eglīte in 1904. She died in 1926. In 1930 he married the painter Hilda Vīka. With his first wife, he was the father of the writer, journalist and painter Anšlavs Eglītis.
