Vitalie Rimbaud (1858–1875)

The latter left the marital home in 1860, leaving his wife with four young children: Frédéric was seven, Arthur six, Vitalie two and Isabelle eight months.

Vitalie grew up under the thumb of an authoritarian and conservative mother who provided a strict education based on Christian morality.

In contrast to her brothers, Frédéric and Arthur, who attended the Institut Rossat, a private secular school with an excellent reputation, Vitalie boarded with the nuns of the Sépuchrine Convent, in the Place du Sépulcre (nowadays the Place Jacques Félix).

"At the age of 15, Vitalie Rimbaud had the light skin, dark chestnut hair, and blue eyes of her brother Arthur".

[6] Her writings express fragility but do not reflect the permanent revolt that characterises those of her brother Arthur.

Vitalie Rimbaud – the poet's sister – in December 1873. Photographer: Vassogne, Charleville
Arthur Rimbaud – his head shaved in mourning - in mid-December 1875 by Ernest Delahaye .