51. Anders Zorn
(1860-1920)
Portrait of Ernest Renan

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Zorn, Portrait of Ernest Renan

Portrait of Ernest Renan

Etching, 1892, 233 x 334 mm., Asplund 73 v/v, Hjert & Hjert 50. Brilliant impression on heavy laid paper with full margins, signed in pencil. Zorn’s slashing technique is fully in evidence here in this portrait of the French philosopher, historian and theologian Ernest Renan (1823-1892), the author of The Life of Jesus, among other works. But through the technique comes the personality of the great man as no photograph of him ever conveyed. Renan is considered to be one of Zorn’s best etchings. It is also among the greatest portrait etchings of the entire Etching Revival.