Paul Verlaine
photographer
Dornac
(Paris, 1858 - 1941, Paris)
Date1892
Place MadeFrance, Europe
MediumGelatin silver print
Dimensions14 x 19 cm (5 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Accession numberP27w83
eMuseum ID724410
EmbARK ObjectID24296
TMS Source ID8859
Last Updated8/9/24
Status
Not on viewWeb CommentaryFrench 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.
MarksNotesInscribed in ink over print (bottom edge): café con Vanier, bien cordialement Paul Verlaine, (Du courage a l'ouvrage!) [café with Vanier, best regards Paul Verlaine, Armed for battle!]
ProvenanceNotesEntered Isabella Stewart Gardner's collection at an unknown date.
