HENRI DE TOULOUSE-LAUTREC (1864-1901) LA COIFFURE / PROGRAMME DU THÉÂTRE LIBRE. 1893. 12 1/2x9 3/8 inches. Eugene Verneau, Paris. Condition A-: creases in image The Théâtre Libre was run by André Antoine who was introduced to Lautrec by another great avant-garde theatrical impressario, Lugné-Poë. Lautrec created three of his most inspired designs for the Antoine: Le Missionaire (la Loge), L'Argent (see Swann auction 2099 lot 160), and La Coiffure. The image is not connected to a specific scene, but depicts a woman being primped and groomed in anticipation of a seduction. Lautrec uses only three colors, red, yellow and his favorite green, yet perfectly captures the arrogance of the lady with only a few strokes. The diagonal is employed here at its best, and the influence of Japanese woodblock prints is evident. Adriani 40 III, Delteil 14 II, Wittrock 15.
