Plate 15 (in-text plate, folio 18) from Yvette Guilbert

Plate 15 (in-text plate, folio 18) from Yvette Guilbert is a pivotal component of the illustrated book created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1894. This specific print is one of seventeen original lithographs included in the volume, which captures the likeness and performance style of the renowned French cabaret star Yvette Guilbert. The production of the book itself showcases Toulouse-Lautrec's innovative mastery of printmaking, particularly his sophisticated use of lithography to achieve expressive, painterly effects suitable for artistic reproduction.

As a leading documentarian of fin-de-siècle Paris, Toulouse-Lautrec frequently focused on the vivid characters inhabiting the theaters, dance halls, and bars of Montmartre. His unique graphic style was ideally suited to depicting Guilbert, a figure known for her sharp wit, highly stylized presentation, and, often, her trademark long black gloves. In this work, the artist emphasizes the theatrical intensity and gestural drama of the performer rather than realistic portraiture, utilizing minimal line work and negative space characteristic of his most dynamic compositions.

The significance of this piece lies not only in its artistic merit but also in its classification as a crucial example of the modern illustrated book. This French collection was instrumental in merging fine art with graphic design and commercial imagery in the era surrounding 1894. The widespread distribution of such high-quality prints brought Toulouse-Lautrec’s distinctive vision of Parisian nightlife to a broader audience. The complete series, Yvette Guilbert, offers invaluable insight into the visual and performative culture of the period. This work remains housed in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, underscoring its enduring legacy as a foundational piece of modern graphic arts.