Anders Zorn (Mora, 1860 - 1920, Mora)
Paul Verlaine I, 1895
Etching on laid paper, 42.5 x 26.7 cm (16 3/4 x 10 1/2 in.)
This etching is a portrait of the French poet, Paul Verlaine. The area above and behind Verlaine’s head, and down to his left shoulder, is blank. In contrast, there is an area of shadow falling over Verlaine’s right shoulder. Here, his right arm rests on a cloth-covered café table on which is an empty glass. His right hand is held in a loose fist. The poet is wearing a dark shirt, tie, and jacket with lapels. On his head is a skullcap with a flat top. The right side of the poet’s face is in shadow, while the left side is lit. Verlaine has prominent eyebrows and his gaze out at the viewer is straightforward. His nose is straight; a mustache and beard cover his mouth and chin. On the lower corner to our left is the etched signature, Zorn. On the lower corner to our right, in pencil, is the signature, Zorn.
Short Gallery
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.