Prolific French journalist, novelist, and activist (1840–1902) best known as one of the leading figures of naturalism and for his inflammatory 1898 open letter, ‘J’Accuse!,’ which exposed the anti-Semitism of the French press and government in the infamous Dreyfus Affair. Original 4.25 x 6 cabinet photo by an unknown Italian photographer, signed and inscribed at the top of the image in black ink, “A Ernesto Conigliani, cordial souvenir, Emile Zola.” In very good condition, with light creasing to the upper left corner of the mount, uniform toning, a trimmed bottom edge, and a few light pencil notations and mounting remnants to reverse. RR Auction COA.
