Plate 11 (in-text plate, folio 14) from Yvette Guilbert

Plate 11 (in-text plate, folio 14) from Yvette Guilbert by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a key example of the French artist's mastery of printmaking and portraiture during the vibrant closing years of the 19th century. Executed in 1894, this piece is one of seventeen lithographs compiled for the illustrated book dedicated to the celebrated cabaret performer, Yvette Guilbert. The classification of the work as an illustrated book underscores the period's growing interest in combining fine art prints with literary publications.

Toulouse-Lautrec was instrumental in elevating the status of the lithograph from a mere commercial reproduction tool to a primary artistic medium. His expressive line work, often utilizing sparse color or bold contour lines, perfectly captured the fleeting gestures and dynamic presence of his subjects. As a leading figure in fin de siècle Paris, the artist focused keenly on capturing the authentic atmosphere of the city’s theaters, dance halls, and brothels. The entire series, Yvette Guilbert, provides an intimate, often caricatural, look at the star whose long black gloves and distinctive stage presence made her an icon of the era. The choice of 1894 situates this project precisely within the peak of his engagement with theatrical portraiture.

This specific print illustrates the artist’s dedication to documentary observation and psychological insight, traits that defined his contribution to modern art. Classified officially as an Illustrated Book in the Museum of Modern Art collection, the work highlights MoMA's commitment to collecting significant examples of fine art prints and their related publications. As a crucial work created by the French master, the widespread influence of this piece continues today. Like many historical works of this type, high-quality images of these significant prints are increasingly accessible through public domain initiatives, allowing broader study of Toulouse-Lautrec's innovative graphic techniques.