拍品專文
The present work was executed while Lautrec was under the artistic instruction of the peintre sportif René Princeteau (1844-1914). Lautrec had been introduced to the deaf-mute artist by his father in 1872, and in 1878 became an informal pupil in Princeteau's studio at 233 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris.
Lautrec began his artistic career by copying Princeteau and painters such as George du Busson and John-Lewis Brown, whose work he saw in the Paris salons. By 1881 he was coming into his own:
He developed a more animated method of applying paint: short, staccato hatchings produced greater dash and a bravura sketchiness that activated the painted surfaces and reinforced the enlivened drawing. He abandoned his murky browns, greys and greens, and lightened and brightened his palette. (G. Murray, Toulouse-Lautrec, The Formative Years 1878-1891, Oxford, 1991, p. 20)
It was at this time that Lautrec decided to pursue a career as a professional artist. In a letter of May 1881 written to his uncle Charles, Lautrec reveals his delight at the prospect:
When I think of the compliments which have been paid me I am as inflated as Gambetta in his balloon. Joking aside, I was really astonished. Princeteau raved, du Passage wept, and Papa understood nothing at all. We thought of everything, we even dreamed of Carolus-Duran. Finally, here is the plan that I think has the best chance. Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Cabanel's atelier, and frequent visit's to René's studio. (Quoted in ibid., p. 23)
Lautrec entered the studio of Leon Bonnat early in 1882, but remained on friendly terms with Princeteau until his death.
Lautrec began his artistic career by copying Princeteau and painters such as George du Busson and John-Lewis Brown, whose work he saw in the Paris salons. By 1881 he was coming into his own:
He developed a more animated method of applying paint: short, staccato hatchings produced greater dash and a bravura sketchiness that activated the painted surfaces and reinforced the enlivened drawing. He abandoned his murky browns, greys and greens, and lightened and brightened his palette. (G. Murray, Toulouse-Lautrec, The Formative Years 1878-1891, Oxford, 1991, p. 20)
It was at this time that Lautrec decided to pursue a career as a professional artist. In a letter of May 1881 written to his uncle Charles, Lautrec reveals his delight at the prospect:
When I think of the compliments which have been paid me I am as inflated as Gambetta in his balloon. Joking aside, I was really astonished. Princeteau raved, du Passage wept, and Papa understood nothing at all. We thought of everything, we even dreamed of Carolus-Duran. Finally, here is the plan that I think has the best chance. Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Cabanel's atelier, and frequent visit's to René's studio. (Quoted in ibid., p. 23)
Lautrec entered the studio of Leon Bonnat early in 1882, but remained on friendly terms with Princeteau until his death.