Paul Verlaine

French poet (1844-1896). He went through many phases: initially a poet of the salons, he later deviated under the triple influence of an unhappy love affair, alcoholism, and Baudelaire. After a quiet period, his life was again disrupted by his acquaintance with Rimbaud. He embraced Catholicism and poetry with plasticity and musicality. Unintentionally, he became the leader of the "decadent school" and introduced the Poètes Maudits (cursed poets) in 1884.