André Antoine and Fermin Gémier in "A Bankruptcy"
Original title: André Antoine and Fermin Gémier in "A Bankruptcy"
kurzbeschreibung
In 1893, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec captured the actors André Antoine and Fermin Gémier during a rehearsal of the play 'Ein Bankrott' in a crayon lithograph. The black print on wove paper exists in only a single state and offers a close-up view of the theatrical action.
Description
Two figures occupy a room: on the left, a man seen from behind in a long coat; on the right, a half-seated figure, also in a coat. Behind them, vertical strips articulate the wall, suggesting windows or doors. On a table to the left lie a basket-like object and a book. The black-and-white drawing uses bold shading; light enters from the front and above, casting shadows on the right side of the figures and the wall.
Context
When Toulouse-Lautrec made this lithograph in 1893, the Parisian theater was a central source of inspiration for him. André Antoine, founder of the Théâtre-Libre, and the then-prominent actor Fermin Gémier were at the center. The play 'Ein Bankrott' (French: 'Un faillite') was performed at Antoine's theater, which was celebrated for its naturalist style. The lithograph belongs to Toulouse-Lautrec's series on contemporary stage performances.
Impact
The restriction to black and the sketchy linework give the scene something immediate, almost documentary. The pensive posture of the left figure and the calm layout create an intimate mood that draws the viewer into the stage action.
Technique
Executed as a crayon lithograph, printed in black ink on wove paper. Only the single state exists, meaning an unchanged printing block. This process allows soft tonal gradations and a spontaneous, drawing-like appearance.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)