Paul Verlaine II

Art Historical Context

Created in 1895 by Swedish artist Anders Zorn, this etching captures the French Symbolist poet Paul Verlaine toward the end of his life. Zorn, celebrated for his masterful command of printmaking, produced this work in three states, with the present example representing the final iteration. The medium of etching allowed Zorn to achieve remarkable tonal depth and spontaneity, qualities that made his portraits highly sought after by collectors in the late nineteenth century. The portrait reflects the era’s growing interest in literary figures as subjects for fine art. Verlaine, known for his influential poetry and turbulent personal life, is rendered with a directness that highlights both his physical presence and inner character. Zorn’s choice of etching over painting underscores the democratic appeal of prints, which could reach wider audiences while still demonstrating exceptional technical skill. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1917, the work exemplifies Zorn’s international reputation and the enduring appeal of his intimate portrayals of notable contemporaries.

About the Artist

Anders Zorn|Paul Verlaine · 1860–1920

Anders Zorn (1860–1920), one of Sweden's most celebrated artists, was born on February 18 in Utmeland near Mora in Dalarna, and raised on his maternal grandparents' farm in the nearby hamlet of Yvraden. Displaying prodigious talent from a young age, he attended school in Mora Strand until age twelve, followed by secondary grammar school in Enköping, where he excelled in drawing people and horses. ...