Jean de La Fontaine, born in 1621, was a prominent French poet and fabulist of the 17th century, renowned for his Fables which significantly influenced European literature. Despite early financial and personal difficulties, including a strained marriage and periods of royal disfavor, La Fontaine eventually gained widespread recognition and admission to the Académie Française. His enduring legacy is evident in numerous artistic and commemorative depictions.

La Fontaine's literary career began later in life, initially focusing on lighter verse before producing his significant works. His Fables, first published in 1668, drew upon classical and Eastern sources, offering moral lessons through animal characters. Alongside his Fables, he also wrote collections of tales (Contes) and other poems. His admission to the Académie Française in 1683, after some political maneuvering, solidified his status as a major literary figure. He passed away in 1695.

Jean de La Fontaine was born in Château-Thierry, France, into a well-off provincial middle-class family. His father held a position as a deputy-ranger for the Duchy of Château-Thierry. After receiving his early education at the local grammar school, La Fontaine briefly entered religious orders, first with the Oratorians and then the seminary of Saint-Magloire, but soon realized he had chosen the wrong path. He subsequently appears to have studied law and was reportedly admitted as a lawyer.

In 1647, La Fontaine married Marie Héricart, a 14-year-old heiress, at his father's arrangement. Despite her reported beauty and intelligence, the couple did not get along, though accusations against her character were largely made by later gossip or enemies. La Fontaine himself was often absent, not strictly faithful, and a poor businessman, leading to financial difficulties that necessitated a separation of property in 1658. They eventually ceased living together, with La Fontaine residing primarily in Paris while his wife remained in Château-Thierry, though he visited frequently. They had one son.

La Fontaine began his literary pursuits in Paris around the mid-1650s, initially writing short poems. His first significant work was an adaptation of Terence's Eunuchus in 1654. He gained the patronage of Superintendent Fouquet, receiving a pension and writing verses in exchange for payment. During this period, his financial situation deteriorated, forcing him to sell his possessions, but he was consistently supported by powerful patrons. Fouquet's downfall led La Fontaine to write an elegy in his defense. Despite facing a fine for improperly assuming a noble title, he found new protectors in the Duke and Duchess of Bouillon.

La Fontaine's literary reputation grew, particularly with the publication of his Contes (Tales) starting in 1664 and his Fables in 1668. He became part of a notable literary circle in Paris, including Racine and Molière. He held a court position with the Duchess Dowager of Orléans, but after her death, he found a stable home for about twenty years with Madame de Sablière. By the early 1680s, his Fables were widely acclaimed. Despite some controversial subjects in his Contes and past associations, he was eventually admitted to the Académie Française in 1683, a process that involved some political negotiation and a minor literary dispute.