A portrait of poet Arthur Rimbaud, drawn by his companion Paul Verlaine in 1872, has been sold at auction for a record-breaking price. This iconic portrait, which features Rimbaud in silhouette with long hair and a pipe, has significant historical importance as it served as the frontispiece for Rimbaud’s posthumous “Poésies Complètes,” published in 1895.
For over 130 years, the portrait’s whereabouts remained unknown, hidden in private collections until its recent discovery in the estate of Hugues Gall, a prominent opera manager who passed away in May at the age of 84. Gall’s collection included a variety of cultural treasures, including a silver tea set, art nouveau furniture, and ancient artifacts.
Auctioneer Vincent Sarrou noted that Gall was well-connected in the arts community, collecting numerous items throughout his life. Lot 187, the small brown ink drawing of Rimbaud, was initially estimated to sell for between 100,000 and 200,000 euros at the Hôtel Drouot auction house in Paris.
The portrait's creation date, June 1872, is significant as it was a time when Rimbaud and Verlaine were embroiled in a passionate affair, marking a tumultuous period in their lives. This relationship sparked a wave of literary creativity, with Rimbaud producing some of his most notable works during this time.
On December 2, 2024, the auction concluded with Lot 187 being sold for 585,000 euros—approximately $615,000—setting a world record for a drawing by Verlaine. The piece was purchased by a private collector, whose identity remains undisclosed, adding to the portrait's mystique.
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