In an evening celebrating American art and Franco-American relations, we are delighted to present Poésies d’Emily Dickinson, published by Éditions Diane de Selliers. 

Since 1992, Éditions Diane de Selliers has been committed to building bridges between words and images to produce books that stand the test of time. 

Once a year, they publish a major literary or poetic text alongside monumental pieces of art history, staging a conversation across the works and opening a dialogue between the written word and the visual world. 

This year, they have elected to open their repertoire to American literature, and share with their readers the captivating American modernist paintings of the early 20th century. Touched by the  sensitivity, spirituality, modernity and universality that run through her work, this esteemed publishing house has chosen Emily Dickinson as its first American voice. 

Accompanied by Anna Hiddleston, curator at the Centre Pompidou and a specialist in American painting, Diane de Selliers and her team have combined a selection of Emily Dickinson’s poems with paintings by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Charles Sheeler, Arthur Dove, Agnes Pelton, Marguerite Zorach, Helen Torr and some sixty other artists from the first half of the twentieth century. New depths to Emily Dickinson’s work is unveiled in a selection of 160 poems, presented in their original version and translated into French by Françoise Delphy. Her powerful, incisive and resolutely modern language, at odds with the literature of her time, resonates perfectly with American modernism. In sum, the book is a voyage to the heart of the American continent.

Françoise Delphy, Anna Hiddleston and Diane de Selliers will speak at the Library, offering their insight into American art and poetry.

Copies of Poésies d’Emily Dickinson will be available for purchase. 

This conversation will be followed by a champagne reception. 

Learn more about Éditions Diane de Selliers: 

In the words of founder Diane de Selliers, their mission is to “image bridges between word and image.” Read about their history. 

Flip through a sneak peak of Poesies d’Emily Dickinson. 

Previous titles from Editions Diane de Selliers include the Epic of Gilgamesh, illustrated by Mesopatamian art, and Ovid’s Metamorphoses, illustrated by Baroque painting. Discover their collection.

Important information: The discussion will be available both online and in person. While the conversation will happen in person (the speakers will appear in the Reading Room), the Library will stream the conversation on Zoom for a live viewing experience. Both in-person and online attendees will be able to pose questions.

Attendance at this event constitutes permission for your photograph or video to be taken at the event and used by the American Library in Paris for marketing, promotional, pedagogical, or other purposes.

This event is made possible through the generous support of the support of The Florence Gould Foundation and the American Center for Art and Culture.