Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec - Charles Maurin

A striking profile portrait of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, captured through the expressive etching and aquatint techniques of Charles Maurin.

This portrait of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, executed by his contemporary Charles Maurin, captures the subject in profile. Maurin employs the techniques of etching and aquatint to create a moody, atmospheric study. The artist uses deep, textured shadows to define the form of the coat and the brim of the bowler hat, which contrast with the lighter, more sparse treatment of the facial features. The composition focuses on the silhouette, a common interest among artists of the late nineteenth-century Parisian avant-garde. Maurin was a skilled printmaker, known for his technical experimentation with colour and tone. In this work, the monochromatic palette relies on the varying density of the aquatint grain to suggest depth and volume. The profile view allows for a clear delineation of Lautrec's distinctive features, including his beard and the curve of his nose. The inclusion of the artist's initials, C.M., in the lower right corner serves as a direct mark of authorship, typical of the period's print editions. This image offers a glimpse into the social circles of Montmartre, where Maurin and Lautrec moved among other figures of the era. The print reflects the stylistic leanings of the time, moving away from strict academic realism toward a more expressive, graphic approach. The subject is depicted with a sense of quiet observation, avoiding the theatricality often associated with other portrayals of the famous painter. By focusing on the interplay of light and shadow, Maurin produces a character study that feels both intimate and detached. The work remains a fine example of the printmaking traditions that flourished in France during the fin de siècle, demonstrating the capacity of the medium to convey personality through minimal, well-placed marks.