His Masterpiece?, or, Claude Lanntier's Struggle for Fame.
London: Vizetelly & Co., 1886. First UK edition, first printing. Three-quarter green morocco over marbled boards, ruled in gilt, teg, marbled endpapers. Lightly rubbed extremities with touches of wear, spine toned a shade, first binder's blank detached and laid in, still near fine. Item #243894
THE END OF A GREAT IMPRESSIONIST FRIENDSHIP
Émile Zola (1840-1902), the foremost naturalist novelist, wove Darwinian theories into his renowned Rougon-Macquart cycle, famously ending his friendship with Paul Cézanne through its fourteenth installation, His Masterpiece? Zola explored the art world through the friendship (likely inspired by Cézanne and himself) of Impressionist painter, Claude Lantier, and naturalist author, Pierre Sandoz, as Lantier is tortured by an impossible artistic ideal. Upon its completion, Zola sent a copy to Picasso's greatest influence only to receive Cézanne's terse, cordial response. The close friends would never meet again.
Presented here is a first UK edition, first printing.
Price: $325.00