Portret van toneelschrijver Tristan Bernard 1898 - 1920

This is Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s etching of Tristan Bernard. The composition, dominated by delicate lines and subtle shading, draws us into the sitter's character, prompting a contemplative mood. Lautrec masterfully uses line to define form, from the wisps of Bernard’s beard to the curve of his skull. Note how the hatching technique creates depth and texture, particularly in the beard, giving it a palpable sense of volume. The restraint in detail forces the viewer to focus on the essential elements. Consider the implications of capturing Bernard in profile. In semiotic terms, this choice reduces intimacy, yet amplifies his intellectual aura. The etching, with its formal economy, achieves a delicate balance between representation and interpretation, inviting us to ponder the cultural codes embedded within portraiture.