Charles Maurin

Charles Maurin, created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1898, is a sophisticated example of the artist's dedication to graphic arts during the final years of the 19th century. Classified within a portfolio of works, this piece was executed using the demanding drypoint technique. This method, where the artist scratches directly into a copper plate to raise a distinctive burr, results in a rich, velvety line quality when printed, differentiating it from the cleaner lines produced by etching. The drypoint allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to achieve a dynamic sketch-like quality that captures immediate human expression.

This piece belongs squarely within the period spanning 1876 to 1900, a time of profound artistic transition in France characterized by a focus on modern subject matter and the popularization of graphic prints. The subject, Charles Maurin (1856-1914), was a contemporary artist and close friend whom Toulouse-Lautrec frequently depicted. In contrast to his highly stylized posters of performers, this intimate portrait reveals Toulouse-Lautrec's talent for capturing personality and form with economic, rapid lines. The composition emphasizes the sitter's intellectual presence, reflecting the close relationships the artist maintained within the Parisian artistic community.

As a core example of his mastery over various printing media, Charles Maurin holds significant historical value. The original print resides within the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing crucial documentation of French graphic art at the fin de siècle. Due to the historical nature of the piece and the artist's renown, high-quality images and scholarly documentation concerning his prints are frequently available through public domain initiatives, ensuring this important legacy remains accessible to researchers and art enthusiasts globally.