P. Koch & C[ompagn]ie. Tri-portrait of Emile Zola, Alfred Dreyfus and Georges Picquart

(Dreyfus Affair)

Paris, end 19th Century

Lithography. A “triptych,” or fanned-portrait mounted withinin original ornate frame. Noted on the frame: “La verité est en marche et rien ne l’arretera” [Truth is on the march and nothing will stop her]

Not in Kleeblatt or any other reference works consulted

An most striking presentation. On the flat surface directly front-view is the image of the journalist who made Dreyfus’ case a cause-celebre, Emil Zola. Looking to the right, appears the image of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, the Jewish officer unjustly accused of treason. Looking to the left, is a portrait of Lieutenant-Colonel Picquart, who uncovered the true identity of the traitor, Major Esterhazy. This unusual visual effect was accomplished by placing 16 strips of paper at regular intervals. On their right side these strips convey the image of Dreyfus; on their left, Picquart and frontwards, Zola A unique work of portraiture of a most historic trio