Title and statement of responsibility from finished state (cf. Populus).
The first state, etching before all letters, and before the addition of the floor and re-etching of the figure's feet.
One of a set of 10 theatrical portraits or costume plates by Claude Gillot, described by Populus under the collective title "Les portraits d'acteurs".
"The plates were unfinished at the time of Gillot's death. Later, they were finished with engraved lines, and titles (the actors' names) added. Populus and the BN Inventaire highlight the significance of the title given to the series by Mariette, 'Habits de theatre et de ballets', as it implies that Gillot did not see the series as a set of portraits, but as a set of costume plates."--Fitzwilliam Museum online catalog.
Forms part of a collection of 586 etchings by and after Claude Gillot, mounted into a bound album by a former owner, with letterpress title page reading "Oeuvres de Gillot." (see PML 198162).
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.
Print shows an actor costumed as the commedia dell'arte character Pantalon, standing full length, turned three-quarters to the right, bowing slightly and wearing a false nose and beard and a wide brimmed hat, with a dark cloak thrown back from his shoulders and pantaloons.