In the world of theater, certain characters transcend their era to become cultural icons. Cyrano de Bergerac, the romantic hero created by Edmond Rostand, is undoubtedly one of these characters. The portrait of Constant Coquelin, immortalized by Théobald Chartran, captures not only the appearance of the actor but also the very essence of the character he portrayed. Coquelin, with his prominent nose and his gaze both fierce and tender, seems to come alive under Chartran's brush. This artwork is not limited to a simple representation; it evokes a key moment in French theater, a time when art and literature intertwined to offer poignant and memorable stories. Style and uniqueness of the work Théobald Chartran's style is distinguished by its striking realism and attention to detail. In this portrait, Coquelin's features are rendered with a precision that demonstrates remarkable technical mastery. Every shadow, every light is carefully crafted to bring the image to life. The artist skillfully plays with textures, whether in the rendering of the costume fabrics or in the softness of the skin. What makes this artwork particularly unique is the way Chartran manages to capture the soul of his subject. Coquelin's intense gaze, almost penetrating, invites the viewer to delve into the thoughts and emotions of the character he embodies. This portrait transcends the simple frame of theater to evoke universal themes such as love, bravery, and the quest for self. The artist and his influence Théobald Chartran, born in 1849, was a painter whose work marked the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts, he established himself as one of the most prominent portraitists of his time. His talent for capturing the personality of his models earned him numerous commissions, notably from influential figures in the artistic and political worlds. Chartran was also an attentive observer of his era, blending influences of realism and romanticism in his works.