Marcellin Desboutin (1823-1902) Paul Verlaine, poet. 1896. Drypoint. 283 x 370. Clément-Janin 236. Very fine proof of the 1st state (of 2), before numerous works, on ivory laid paper, signed in pencil. Some light foxing, larger in the lower margin. Full margins. Very rare. Edition of the final state with 12 proofs. This engraving was made on the occasion of Verlaine's death, in 1896. The Bibliothèque littéraire Jacques Doucet (on the premises of the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève) holds a proof of the final state (as do the BnF and the INHA). It is described as follows: "Verso, justification du tirage manuscrit à 12 sur vélin, exemplaire n o 1. Stamp of the bookseller-publisher Clerget. Paul Verlaine's obituary notice is glued to the bottom of the engraving". (ref. ING Sup 133, bljd.sorbonne.fr).