This paper analyses the article De l’esprit des traductions, published in 1816 by Mme. De Staël, which constitutes a reflection on literary translation. In order to achieve a better understanding of the text, the author intends to revitalise its original sense and its polemic nature, by re-situating the article in its own time. Additional information is provided to facilitate the interpretation of the article nowadays, since Mme. De Staël’s article contains, together with the discourse on translation itself, a great number of literary references and considerations. Furthermore, the theoretical principles of translation contained in the text are analysed, as well as the immediate historical precedents of Mme. De Staël. Finally, a Spanish translation of her article is included.