Renée Vivien (1877 - 1909)

Renée Vivien

Renée Vivien, born Pauline Mary Tarn, was a British poet associated with the Symbolist movement in French literature. Known for her passionate and sensual poetry, which often deals with themes of love, desire and the pursuit of beauty. Many of her poems are autobiographical, centred on Baudelairean themes of extreme romanticism and frequent despair.

Renee Vivien's work often raised themes of female desire, same-sex love, and the pursuit of unattainable beauty. Her poetry was characterised by rich imagery, musicality and emotional intensity. In addition to poetry, Vivien wrote several novels. She was also active in Parisian literary life.