Émile ZOLA advises a sculptor who wants to create his bust. 1899.

“I fear that waves around a bust may be misunderstood.”

900€

Emile Zola (1840.1902)

Autograph letter signed to a sculptor (probably Alexander Zeitlin).

An octavo page in black ink.

Paris. July 12, 1899.

Back from exile, Zola advised a sculptor who wanted to create a bust of him, in the midst of the Dreyfus affair.

________________________________________

"Dear Sir, It is very difficult for me to give you an opinion. I fear that the waves around a bust may be misunderstood. On the other hand, the head resting on the closed fist will require a great development of the bust. But all this depends on the execution, and I believe that we could do no better than to rely on your long practice and your taste. Sincerely, Emile Zola."