Mademoiselle Cocyle as Helen of Troy in La Belle Helene

Mademoiselle Cocyle as Helen of Troy in La Belle Helene by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901), captures a key figure from the vibrant theatrical life of turn-of-the-century Paris. Created in 1900, this late drawing depicts the performer Mademoiselle Cocyle in costume for Jacques Offenbach's popular operetta, La Belle Helene. Cocyle, known for her powerful stage presence, is shown embodying the legendary beauty Helen, a staple character in the lighthearted Parisian entertainment that often satirized classical mythology. This piece immediately connects the viewer to the cabaret and theater world that Lautrec tirelessly documented across France.

The technical complexity of this work is evident in Lautrec’s masterful application of media. The artist utilized graphite and red chalk to define the figure's form and coloration, enhancing the dramatic effect with touches of black crayon. He further heightened the composition’s dynamic quality by applying traces of white chalk for highlights on the ivory wove paper, achieving a sense of volume and immediacy crucial to his portraiture. This combination of chalks and crayon reflects the speed and focus required to capture a live performer, prioritizing expressive line over polished academic realism. Though recognized primarily for his lithographs and posters, this drawing confirms Lautrec’s proficiency as a highly sensitive and vigorous draftsman.

This exceptional drawing belongs to the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a significant example of French draftsmanship from the end of the 19th century. As the artwork is now secured in the public domain due to the artist’s lifespan, high-quality digital prints and reproductions allow scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to study Lautrec’s distinctive technique and his dedication to documenting modern Parisian culture.