Henri Louis Lekain in character as a Turk - Augustin de Saint-Aubin

A refined eighteenth-century etching by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, depicting the famous French actor Henri Louis Lekain in an elaborate theatrical costume.

This fine etching and engraving by Augustin de Saint-Aubin depicts the celebrated French actor Henri Louis Lekain. Lekain was a dominant figure in the Comédie-Française during the eighteenth century, known for his reformist approach to acting and his commitment to historical accuracy in costume. In this portrait, he is captured in the guise of a Turk, a role that reflects the period's fascination with Orientalism and exoticism in European theatre.

Saint-Aubin, a master of the graphic arts, employs a sophisticated technique to render the textures of Lekain's costume. The turban, adorned with a plume and jewels, is rendered with precise lines that suggest the softness of the fabric against the harder, reflective surfaces of the decorative elements. The actor is framed within an oval cartouche, a device common in eighteenth-century portraiture, which sits atop a stone-like pedestal bearing a dedication. The inscription below the portrait adds a layer of theatrical context, referencing the dramatic nature of his performances.

As a printmaker, Saint-Aubin was highly regarded for his ability to capture the likeness and character of his subjects while maintaining a refined, decorative quality. This work demonstrates his skill in balancing the formal requirements of a portrait with the narrative elements of theatrical costume. The composition is balanced and clear, typical of the late Rococo period in France, where the focus remained on elegance and technical precision. The print serves as a record of the intersection between high-status portraiture and the public persona of the stage performer, documenting the visual culture of the French Enlightenment. The attention to detail in the drapery and the subtle shading of the face demonstrate the high standard of craftsmanship expected from a printmaker of Saint-Aubin's standing in Paris during this era.