Paul Claudel.

Paul Louis Charles Claudel

Paul Claudel — Diplomat

Born 6 Aug 1868 Villeneuve-sur-Fère, France

Died 23 Feb 1955 Paris, France

Citizenship France

10 min read

Reading time

1,984

Words

Apr 7, 2026

Published

2

Film credits

50

Books

4

Awards

TL;DR

Paul Claudel 1868-1955, a French diplomat, poet, and playwright, served as ambassador to Japan 1921-1925 and the United States 1926-1933. He wrote verse dramas like The Satin Slipper and collaborated with Darius Milhaud on the opera The Book of Christopher Columbus, premiered in Berlin in 1929. He was the younger brother of sculptor Camille Claudel.

Identity & family.

KIN · 10

Names, aliases, and relatives of Paul Claudel — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Paul Louis Charles Claudel

PARENTS: Louise Athanaïse Cécile Amelie Cerveaux Louis Prosper Claudel
SPOUSES: Reine Sainte Marie Perrin
CHILDREN: Louise Vetch Pierre Claudel Henri Claudel Renée Nantet Marie Frégnac Claudel Reine Paris
SIBLINGS: Camille Claudel

At a glance.

STATS

Paul Claudel by the numbers — life, work, and family.

86 Years lived

2 Film credits

50 Books

4 Awards

1 Marriage

6 Children

Who was Paul Claudel?

BIOGRAPHY

Paul Claudel — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

When Paul Claudel was 13, his family moved to Paris, where his sister Camille Claudel was studying sculpture under Auguste Rodin. He attended the Lycée Louis-le-Grand and later studied law and political science at the École Libre des Sciences Politiques. In 1886, reading a volume of poetry by Arthur Rimbaud, Claudel experienced a revelation of the supernatural and soon formally embraced Catholicism.

Career

Claudel passed the diplomatic service examinations in 1890 and was appointed consular assistant in New York in 1893, followed by a post in Boston. From 1894 to 1909 he served in various Chinese cities including Fuchow, Shanghai, and Peking. He published his first drama Tête d’Or anonymously in 1893, and his book The East I Knew in 1900. In 1909 he was posted to Prague, then to Hamburg in 1914. During World War I he was financial attaché in Rome and later Minister Plenipotentiary to Brazil, where his secretary was composer Darius Milhaud. Milhaud set many of Claudel’s poems to music and in 1929 composed the score for his opera The Book of Christopher Columbus, which premiered at the Berlin Opera House. Claudel served as ambassador to Japan 1921-1925, the United States 1926-1933, and Belgium 1933-1935. During World War II he initially supported the Vichy government but soon became a fierce opponent, publishing a scathing letter in 1941 criticizing Vichy’s treatment of Jews.

Personal life

In 1906, while on vacation in France, Claudel met and married Reine Sainte-Marie Perrin, the daughter of a Lyon architect. The couple had six children: Louise, Pierre, Henri, Renée, Marie, and Reine. Claudel also had a long relationship with Rosalie Scibor-Rylska, a married woman, with whom he had a daughter Louise Vetch born 1905 in Brussels. His sister Camille Claudel was a renowned sculptor. Claudel’s conversion to Catholicism in 1886 deeply influenced his personal and professional life.

Legacy

Claudel counted William Shakespeare, Dante Alighieri, Aeschylus, and Fyodor Dostoevsky among his major influences, but credited Arthur Rimbaud as his main inspiration. His collaboration with Darius Milhaud produced the opera The Book of Christopher Columbus 1929, which remains a notable work. Claudel received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour and an honorary doctorate from Laval University. As a diplomat, he helped shape French cultural relations, particularly during his ambassadorship to Japan where he encountered kabuki theater. He is most remembered for his verse dramas and his role as a major Catholic French writer.

Filmography.

FILMS · 2

Browse the complete filmography of Paul Claudel — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

Apostrophes

1975
Movie

Camille: the Fate of a Coquette

1926

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 4

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Paul Claudel — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
honorary doctorate at the Laval University
Prix Narcisse Michaut
Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 50

Paul Claudel's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

Annonce Faite a Marie, L'

by Paul Claudel et al.
Amazon

Le Soulier De Satin

by Paul Claudel et al.
Amazon

L' Otage

by Paul Claudel
Amazon

Partage De Midi

by Paul Claudel
Amazon

Connaissance De L'Est

by Paul Claudel
Amazon

La Ville

by Paul Claudel
Amazon

Théâtre

by Paul Claudel
Amazon

The Satin Slipper

by Paul Claudel
Amazon

Ways and Crossways

by Paul Claudel
Amazon

Au Milieu Des Vitraux De L'Apocalypse

by Paul Claudel
Amazon

Art Poétique

by Paul Claudel
Amazon

L'Echange

by Paul Claudel
Amazon

A Poet Before the Cross

by Paul Claudel
Amazon

Le Livre De Christophe Colomb

by Paul Claudel

Could not load more books.

Did you know?

FACTS · 4

Little-known facts about Paul Claudel — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Claudel collaborated frequently with composer Darius Milhaud, whom he met when Milhaud was his secretary at the French embassy in Rio de Janeiro from 1916 to 1919. His interest in heroic figures led him to write about Joan of Arc and Christopher Columbus. As French ambassador to Japan from 1921 to 1925, he encountered kabuki theater.
He was the younger brother of the sculptor Camille Claudel.
Claudel had a long relationship with Rosalie Scibor-Rylska, a married woman, with whom he had a daughter, Louise Vetch born 1905 in Brussels. Rosalie is considered the inspiration for the characters Ysé and Prouhèze in Claudel’s plays.
His last child, Renée Nantet, born August 1917, died on 23 January 2021 at age 103. She created the cultural Rencontres de Brangues and was the widow of diplomat Jacques Nantet.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 42

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Paul Claudel.

When was Paul Claudel born?

Paul Claudel was born on August 6, 1868. He was born in the small French village of Villeneuve-sur-Fère.
Where was Paul Claudel born?

Paul Claudel was born in Villeneuve-sur-Fère, a commune in the Aisne department of northern France. This village is also the birthplace of his sister, sculptor Camille Claudel.
When did Paul Claudel die?

Paul Claudel died on February 23, 1955. He passed away in Paris, France at the age of 86.
How old was Paul Claudel when he died?

Paul Claudel was 86 years old at the time of his death. He was born in 1868 and died in 1955.
Where did Paul Claudel die?

Paul Claudel died in Paris, France. He spent most of his later years in the French capital after a long diplomatic career.
What is Paul Claudel's real name?

Paul Claudel’s full birth name is Paul Louis Charles Claudel. He is commonly known simply as Paul Claudel.
What was Paul Claudel's occupation?

Paul Claudel was a writer, actor, and soundtrack artist. He is best known as a poet, playwright, and diplomat.
What nationality was Paul Claudel?

Paul Claudel was French. He was born in France and worked as a French diplomat throughout his career.
What language did Paul Claudel speak?

Paul Claudel’s native language was French. He wrote all his works in French.
Who were Paul Claudel's parents?

Paul Claudel’s parents were Louise Athanaïse Cécile Amelie Cerveaux and Louis Prosper Claudel. His father was a banker.
Who was Paul Claudel married to?

Paul Claudel married Reine Sainte Marie Perrin in 1906. She was the daughter of a Lyon architect.
Did Paul Claudel have children?

Yes, Paul Claudel had six children: Louise Vetch, Pierre Claudel, Henri Claudel, Renée Nantet, Marie Frégnac Claudel, and Reine Paris. Louise was born from a relationship before his marriage.
Did Paul Claudel have any siblings?

Yes, Paul Claudel had one sibling, Camille Claudel. Camille was a famous French sculptor and muse of Auguste Rodin.
Where did Paul Claudel go to school?

Paul Claudel attended Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris and later studied at the École Libre des Sciences Politiques. He also studied law.
What awards did Paul Claudel win?

Paul Claudel received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, an honorary doctorate from Laval University, the Prix Narcisse Michaut, and the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic.
How many awards did Paul Claudel win?

Paul Claudel won four major awards according to available records. These include France’s highest honor, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.
What is Paul Claudel best known for?

Paul Claudel is best known for his verse dramas, particularly The Satin Slipper, and his collaboration with composer Darius Milhaud on the opera The Book of Christopher Columbus. He also acted in the 1926 film Camille: the Fate of a Coquette.
Who influenced Paul Claudel's writing?

Paul Claudel cited William Shakespeare, Dante Alighieri, Aeschylus, and Fyodor Dostoevsky as major influences. He credited Arthur Rimbaud as his main inspiration after reading Rimbaud’s poetry in 1886.
Why did Paul Claudel convert to Catholicism?

In 1886, while reading Arthur Rimbaud’s poetry, Claudel experienced what he called a revelation of the supernatural. This led him to formally embrace the Catholic religion, despite his family’s background.
What diplomatic posts did Paul Claudel hold?

Claudel served as consul in various cities including New York, Boston, and multiple Chinese cities. He later became ambassador to Japan 1921-1925, the United States 1926-1933, and Belgium 1933-1935. During WWII he worked in the French Ministry of Propaganda.
Did Paul Claudel collaborate with Darius Milhaud?

Yes, Claudel collaborated extensively with composer Darius Milhaud. Milhaud was his secretary at the French embassy in Rio de Janeiro from 1916 to 1919 and later set Claudel’s poems to music. He composed the score for Claudel’s opera The Book of Christopher Columbus, premiered in Berlin in 1929.
What was Paul Claudel's relationship with his sister Camille?

Paul Claudel was the younger brother of Camille Claudel, a renowned sculptor. Camille studied under Auguste Rodin and their family moved to Paris to support her career when Paul was 13.
Did Paul Claudel support the Vichy government?

Initially, Claudel supported the collaborationist Vichy government during World War II. However, he soon became a fierce opponent, especially after the arrest of a Jewish relative by marriage. In 1941 he published a scathing letter condemning Vichy’s treatment of Jews.
What was Paul Claudel's last child?

Paul Claudel’s last child was Renée Nantet, born in August 1917. She died on January 23, 2021 at the age of 103. She founded the cultural Rencontres de Brangues.
What is Paul Claudel's most famous play?

Claudel’s most famous play is The Satin Slipper Le Soulier de satin, written in 1929. It is a monumental verse drama that reflects his Catholic faith and his experience in China.
Did Paul Claudel write any operas?

Claudel wrote the libretto for the opera The Book of Christopher Columbus, which was set to music by Darius Milhaud and premiered at the Berlin Opera House in 1929.
What was Paul Claudel's role in the French diplomatic service?

Claudel served as a career diplomat from 1890 onward, rising to the rank of ambassador. His postings included New York, Boston, China, Prague, Hamburg, Rome, Brazil, Japan, the United States, and Belgium.
How did Paul Claudel react to France's liberation in 1944?

After France was liberated in 1944, Claudel wrote a victory ode addressed to General Charles de Gaulle. He had become a strong opponent of the Vichy regime.
What is the significance of the year 1886 in Paul Claudel's life?

In 1886, Claudel read Arthur Rimbaud’s poetry for the first time, which he described as a revelation of the supernatural. This event led to his conversion to Catholicism and profoundly shaped his literary work.
What was Paul Claudel's first published work?

Claudel’s first published work was the drama Tête d’Or, released anonymously in 1893. His first work under his own name was The East I Knew in 1900.
Did Paul Claudel have any connection to Japan?

Yes, Claudel served as French ambassador to Japan from 1921 to 1925. During this time he encountered kabuki theater, which influenced his later works.
What is Paul Claudel's contribution to French literature?

Claudel is considered a major French Catholic poet and playwright. His works, often on religious and heroic themes, include The Satin Slipper and The Book of Christopher Columbus. He was also a noted diplomat.
Who was Paul Claudel's long-term mistress?

Claudel had a long relationship with Rosalie Scibor-Rylska, who was married to Francis Vetch. Their daughter Louise Vetch was born in Brussels in 1905. Rosalie is thought to have inspired the characters Ysé and Prouhèze in Claudel’s plays.
What was the cause of Paul Claudel's death?

The exact cause of Paul Claudel’s death is not specified in available records. He died in Paris on February 23, 1955 at the age of 86.
What awards did Paul Claudel receive from Spain?

Claudel received the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic, a Spanish honor. It is one of four major awards listed in his biography.
Did Paul Claudel write about Joan of Arc?

Yes, Claudel’s interest in heroic figures led him to write works about Joan of Arc. She is one of the historical figures he explored in his plays.
What was Paul Claudel's view on Arthur Rimbaud?

Claudel credited Arthur Rimbaud as his main inspiration. Reading Rimbaud’s poetry in 1886 triggered a spiritual revelation that led to his conversion to Catholicism and shaped his literary career.
How many children did Paul Claudel have with his wife?

With his wife Reine Sainte Marie Perrin, Claudel had five children: Pierre, Henri, Renée, Marie, and Reine. He also had a daughter, Louise, from a previous relationship.
What was the name of Paul Claudel's opera with Milhaud?

The opera is The Book of Christopher Columbus, with a libretto by Claudel and music by Darius Milhaud. It premiered at the Berlin Opera House in 1929.
Did Paul Claudel act in any films?

Paul Claudel acted in the 1926 film Camille: the Fate of a Coquette, playing the character Jean Bart. This is his only known film credit.
What was Paul Claudel's diplomatic posting during World War I?

During World War I, Claudel was transferred to Rome as financial attaché, and then to Brazil as Minister Plenipotentiary.
What is the Rencontres de Brangues?

The Rencontres de Brangues is a cultural event series created by Claudel’s daughter Renée Nantet at the family domain. It continues to be held.

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Audited & updated by

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Published on April 7, 2026

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