"Cover for Yvette Guilbert" is a seminal lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1894. This print, classified as an Illustrated Book component, exemplifies the artist's dedication to capturing the dynamic and often tumultuous world of fin de siècle French cabaret and theater. Toulouse-Lautrec was renowned for his insightful and psychologically charged portrayals of Parisian performers, and the subject here is the internationally celebrated dancer and chanteuse, Yvette Guilbert (1867-1944). The work captures Guilbert's instantly recognizable persona, characterized by her exaggerated gestures, distinctive long black gloves, and highly expressive stage presence, traits which cemented her status as an icon of 1890s Parisian nightlife.
The choice of the lithograph medium allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to create bold, graphic compositions that functioned effectively both as artistic statements and as promotional materials. This specific piece served as the cover for a dedicated album of prints focused entirely on the star, demonstrating the commercial and artistic power of graphic works during this period. The style is immediately recognizable as the artist's own: highly economical, sharp lines define the figures, minimizing color to emphasize contour and structure. Though classified as a work from 1894, the piece showcases the continuing influence of Post-Impressionism and Japanese ukiyo-e prints on Western graphic arts in the French capital.
This work is historically significant not just as a definitive visual record of a famous performer, but as a key example of how Toulouse-Lautrec elevated the standards of graphic design to the level of high art. The original printing run formed an important collection of illustrated works vital to the history of modern printing. Today, this influential print resides within the esteemed collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York. Due to the early dissemination of such illustrated books, high-quality prints and reproductions of this celebrated French masterwork are widely available, ensuring that the legacy of Toulouse-Lautrec and his definitive portrayal remains accessible through public domain resources worldwide.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.