Henri Evenepoel
(Nice 1872 - Parijs 1899 )
The Coachman
Evenepoel's drawings are mostly limited to fleeting studies of characters and street views in and around late 19th-century Paris. Here, however, the artist made an elaborate study of a coachman, recognisable by the typical hat and cloak. The man looks at us with a hazy and inebriated expression and appears to be inside (or ouside) an inn: one reads ‘Vins-Liqueurs’ in mirror writing on the window.
The drawing is clearly a ‘work of art an sich’ and, moreover, was converted into engraving in reverse. (see attachment: Evenepoel had several works converted to engraving for reasons of commerciality and to gain name recognition).
The influence of Toulouse-Lautrec is obvious; we know that Evenepoel met him regularly and was influenced by him, including in his cabaret scenes and studies of Parisian nightlife.
ca 1896-97
Black Chalk on Carbon Paper, 309 x 225mm
Bears a studio stamp "HE"
+32 (0)478 38 18 29