Cover, Yvette Guilbert

Cover, Yvette Guilbert, created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1898, is a highly influential example of late nineteenth-century graphic art. Executed as a lithograph on distinctive green-blue paper, this print showcases the artist’s mastery of the medium. Toulouse-Lautrec was renowned for his rapid, expressive depictions of cabaret performers and the vibrant French entertainment industry, defining the visual culture of the Belle Époque.

The work focuses on Yvette Guilbert, one of the most celebrated figures of the Parisian scene, known for her sharp wit and highly stylized performances. The artist often used caricature to capture Guilbert’s theatrical energy, simplifying forms and utilizing strong contours. Here, the choice of the unusual colored paper adds to the immediacy and distinctiveness of the composition, distinguishing it from standard commercial prints. Dating from the period 1876 to 1900, this piece exemplifies how the print classification rapidly advanced from merely reproductive methods to a major vehicle for artistic expression during this era.

Toulouse-Lautrec’s technique, relying on flat color fields and expressive draftsmanship, solidified his central role in elevating the lithograph medium from simple advertising to fine art. His influential style affected subsequent generations of graphic designers and poster artists across Europe. This particular impression of Cover, Yvette Guilbert is housed within the prestigious collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing crucial insight into the graphic output of the Post-Impressionist era. Due to the age and significance of the production, high-resolution images of many of these historic French prints are now frequently made available in the public domain, ensuring global access to this defining period of modern art history.