MAUPASSANT (de), Guy (1850-1893)

MAUPASSANT (de), Guy (1850-1893)

Late film print on postcard
N.p. [1875 ?], 9 x 11,6 cm
Caption “B.114.” on lower left margin
Photographer’s monogram on lower right margin

Unusual portrait of Maupassant in bust by Alphonse Liébert

Maupassant, like Flaubert, was very reluctant to have his photographic portraits taken. In 1890, he went so far as to threaten to sue his publisher Georges Charpentier for the distribution of one of them. Tired of the solicitations at the end of his life, he decided to no longer oppose the distribution of his image and agreed to pose from time to time.

In a relaxed pose with his left hand in his pocket, the writer stares serenely at the lens. His perfectly combed hair and thick moustache give him an air of good nature.

Two prints of this portrait are held at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles and in the Sirot-Angel collection.