Dornac (Paris, 1858 - 1941, Paris)
Paul Verlaine, 1892
Gelatin silver print, 14 x 19 cm (5 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.)
This photograph depicts the French poet Paul Verlaine, seated at a cafe booth with a glass of absinthe. He is shown from a low angle, and is seated on a tufted leather banquette, behind a white marble table.. The mirrors behind the banquette reflect the elaborate decor of the rest of the cafe. Paul Verlaine appears to be asleep with his head back against the mirror--but his eyes are open, though are just slits, as he looks down his nose at us. He has a dark mustache and beard and is dressed in dark pants, vest, jacket, white shirt and bow tie, and a brimmed hat. There are items on the table that suggest a meal--like a long baguette and butter coupe, and a napkin. However, it's unclear whether this is the start or finish of the meal, although an empty carafe, a stemmed glass half full of a dark liquid, and Verlaine's visage suggest that drinking has been going on either way. A walking stick is also placed on the table. On the bottom of the print is an inscription written in French that translates in English to the following: "cafe with Vanier, best regards Paul Verlaine, Armed for battle!"
Long Gallery
Commentary
French poet Paul Verlaine (1844-1896) is a key figure within the Symbolist movement, a genre of poetry that held great appeal to Isabella Stewart Gardner. This photograph shows the rebellious and hard-drinking poet seated at a banquette in a Parisian café, his ever-present glass of absinthe on the table. His slouched shoulders and heavy-lidded expression convey the depths of his world-weariness, a stance that would have aroused Gardner’s empathy and compassion.