Lucien Guitry from Portraits of Actors and Actresses: Thirteen Lithographs (Portraits d'Acteurs & Actrices: Treize Lithographies)

Lucien Guitry from Portraits of Actors and Actresses: Thirteen Lithographs (Portraits d'Acteurs & Actrices: Treize Lithographies) is a penetrating print created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1898. This specific piece is one from a significant portfolio of thirteen lithographs, which collectively captures the dynamic figures populating the French stage and entertainment world at the close of the 19th century. Toulouse-Lautrec, renowned for his highly individualized and often sardonic depictions of Parisian nightlife, utilized the medium of lithography to achieve an unparalleled graphic immediacy, a style that defined his artistic legacy.

The subject, Lucien Guitry (1860-1925), was among the most celebrated French actors of his time, recognized for his powerful presence in dramatic and comedic roles alike. In this portrait, Toulouse-Lautrec foregoes traditional formality, choosing instead to capture Guitry with a reduced, highly expressive economy of line. The artist's focus is less on flattery and more on the psychological essence of the sitter, reflecting the spontaneity and dynamism of the theatrical moment. This approach demonstrates why the artist became a pivotal figure in modern graphic arts, translating the fleeting moments of urban and stage life into enduring artistic statements.

Created during the final years of the artist's career, this series of prints, officially titled Portraits d'Acteurs & Actrices: Treize Lithographies, stands as essential documentation of the cultural landscape of 1898. The work exemplifies Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery of the lithographic process, allowing for rich textures and deep blacks alongside rapid, gestural sketching. The Museum of Modern Art in New York holds this impression, acknowledging its importance not only as a record of the French theatrical community but also as a definitive example of fine art prints from the fin-de-siècle period. Works like this continue to influence graphic design and are frequently studied in academic contexts, often available through public domain resources that celebrate this influential era of printmaking.