Oil on canvas signed on upper left part & dated 85 on right middle part.First theater actor in the role of Cyrano de Bergerac in 1897 in Paris. This signature does correspond to the known signatures types as
reproduced by Artprice.com.  Precocious talent already confirmed in 1885 when he met Constant Coquelin (1841-1909) one of the greatest French actors of the time who will create in 1897 the role of Cyrano de
Bergerac by Edmond Rostand. Coquelin became one of Friant’s main sponsors & logically, Friant did several paintings representing Coquelin acting in different roles which are kept at the Historical Library of Paris. Detailed photos & study on request.