Arsène Houssaye c. 1876

This is a portrait photograph by Etienne Carjat of Arsène Houssaye, a French writer and journalist, taken around 1876. Carjat, a well-known photographer, was a master of capturing the character and personality of his subjects. This photograph, in the style of a carte-de-visite, showcases Houssaye's distinctive features, including his thick beard and thoughtful gaze. The image's framing and the artist's inscription, "Galerie Contemporaine," emphasize the importance of Houssaye as a leading figure of his time. Carjat's work is known for its realism and sharp detail.