Coquelin the Elder (Coquelin Aîné) from Portraits of Actors and Actresses: Thirteen Lithographs (Portraits d'Acteurs & Actrices: Treize Lithographies) by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a potent graphic portrait illustrating the artist's dedication to capturing the dynamic world of Parisian theater. Created in 1898, this sheet is one of thirteen lithographs that comprise a concentrated portfolio focusing on contemporary stage personalities. Through this series, Toulouse-Lautrec moved beyond his familiar vibrant color posters, utilizing the stark immediacy of black-and-white printmaking to delve into the psychological essence of his subjects.
The focus of this specific print is Benoît-Constant Coquelin, known professionally as Coquelin Aîné. Coquelin was one of the most celebrated French actors of his era, famous globally for performing at the Comédie-Française and for originating the lead role in Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac. Toulouse-Lautrec depicts the actor with characteristic directness, using expressive, economical line work to emphasize his imposing presence and distinct facial structure, capturing the commanding energy he brought to the stage.
This lithograph exemplifies the highly influential role Toulouse-Lautrec played in defining modern portraiture and graphic art at the close of the 19th century. His work elevated the status of the print medium, making highly personal and journalistic artistic observations accessible to a wider audience. The artist’s preoccupation with performance culture provides invaluable insight into French society and celebrity in 1898. This important piece of graphic art is part of the extensive collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), serving as a primary example of Toulouse-Lautrec’s late career output. As part of a celebrated portfolio, works from this series are frequently analyzed in academic study, and in various formats, such prints are often made available through public domain collections for educational purposes.
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