.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
A painter of high society and figures of fashion, Boldini here portrays Benoît Constant Coquelin, the French actor also known as Coquelin aîní (the elder). Coquelin made his debut on 7 December 1860 at the national theatre of France, the Comédie Française, as Gros-René in Molière's Dépit amoureux. His first great success was as Figaro, later that year.
The actor remained at the Comédie Française for 22 years, during which time he played lead roles in 44 productions. In 1892 he broke away to form his own company and five years later he became the director of the Porte Saint Martin. In 1900 Coquelin toured America with the popular French actress Sarah Bernhardt, where he appeared on Broadway.
Interested in the techniques of acting, Coquelin published several books and essays about his art.
The actor remained at the Comédie Française for 22 years, during which time he played lead roles in 44 productions. In 1892 he broke away to form his own company and five years later he became the director of the Porte Saint Martin. In 1900 Coquelin toured America with the popular French actress Sarah Bernhardt, where he appeared on Broadway.
Interested in the techniques of acting, Coquelin published several books and essays about his art.