a superb impression of this expressive portrait of the French poet Verlaine (1844 - 1896) a friend of Zorn's; this etching was made by Zorn a year before Verlaine's death, during a period of poverty and misery for the poet (an internet search for a biography will provide more details of a fascinating life

published in the German art revue PAN, 1896, vol.1
one of the 100 impressions in the deluxe edition on firm cream japan paper with full margins
in excellent condition;
the ordinary edition of about 1,100 impressions was on laid paper with smaller margins

the art magazine PAN was published between 1895 and 1900. It was the first German de-luxe art journal to be published with original graphics conceived as individual works of art. The printing was of a very high standard, and fine paper was used throughout. Besides the original etchings, woodcuts and lithographs, many in colour, the books contained superb reproductions and facsimiles. The print runs were about 1,100 per issue. There was also a limited number of some of the issues published in French. Many of the prints have become very scarce and command high prices.