Albert (René) Grenier (1858–1925)

In this intimate portrait, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec captures the essence of Albert (René) Grenier, a fellow artist and friend. Painted in 1887, when Lautrec was around 23 years old, this work predates some of his most famous depictions of Parisian nightlife, like "At the Moulin Rouge" (1892–95) or "Equestrienne (At the Cirque Fernando)" (1887–88), yet it already showcases his distinctive Post-impressionist style. Lautrec, known for his keen observation and ability to convey character, renders Grenier with a directness that suggests a personal connection. The oil on wood medium allows for a certain immediacy and warmth, typical of the sketches and portraits he often created of his inner circle. While Lautrec would become celebrated for his vibrant scenes of cabarets and brothels, this portrait reminds us of his foundational skill in capturing individual personalities, a thread that runs through his entire oeuvre, from early works like "Portrait of Jeanne Wenz" (1886) to later pieces like "Old Man and Young Girl" (1899).