Plate 12 (in-text plate, folio 15) from Yvette Guilbert

Plate 12 (in-text plate, folio 15) from Yvette Guilbert, created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1894, is a crucial element of an illustrated book featuring seventeen lithographs, including the cover. This illustrated volume stands as a testament to the sophisticated intersection of fine art prints and literature that characterized French publishing during the Belle Époque.

The work captures the distinctive character of Yvette Guilbert, the famous Parisian cabaret singer known for her satirical performances and striking black gloves. Toulouse-Lautrec was captivated by Guilbert’s stage persona, creating numerous depictions of her, but these lithographs, intended for an intimate book format, offer more focused and perhaps more candid character studies than his large-scale posters. The medium of lithography allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to maintain the immediacy of his drawing style, utilizing economical lines and carefully placed areas of tone to convey posture, movement, and expressive intensity.

As one from a series, this plate exemplifies the artist’s contribution to modern graphic art. Toulouse-Lautrec’s approach was often unflinching, focusing on the psychological depth of his subjects rather than idealized representation, making him the era’s most astute chronicler of the vibrant yet frequently harsh realities of Parisian nightlife. The deliberate creation of this Illustrated Book reflects the era’s growing demand for fine art works disseminated in edition prints.

This important piece of modern graphic design and French cultural history resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The 1894 book project solidified Toulouse-Lautrec’s legacy beyond his painting practice. Given the age and significance of the original work, high-quality images and derivative prints of this iconic depiction of Guilbert are frequently found within public domain collections today, ensuring its continued study and appreciation.