Plate 3 (in-text plate, folio 6) from Yvette Guilbert

Plate 3 (in-text plate, folio 6) from Yvette Guilbert is a significant contribution to graphic art by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created in 1894. This work is one of seventeen lithographs compiled within an illustrated book dedicated to the celebrated French cabaret performer and muse. As an integral component of the folio, this plate demonstrates Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery of the reproductive technique, allowing him to capture the kinetic energy and specific persona of his subject with graphic economy.

The piece is classified as an illustrated book print, reflecting the late 19th-century shift toward printmaking as a crucial medium for popular documentation and artistic expression. The year 1894 places the production of this work firmly within the artist’s most prolific period, marked by his immersive documentation of Parisian nightlife and entertainment culture. Toulouse-Lautrec, a prolific printmaker, utilized the medium of lithography to create accessible, impactful prints that circulated widely, capturing the essence of figures like Guilbert whom he often sketched during performances. This focus on printmaking highlights the artist's dedication to mass distribution, offering a democratic counterpoint to traditional painting. The rapid, expressive lines characteristic of this piece reflect the immediacy required for documenting the fleeting moments of performance art.

The entire Yvette Guilbert series remains crucial for understanding fin-de-siècle French visual culture. Toulouse-Lautrec’s keen psychological insight transforms a simple portrait into a potent character study, defining the visual identity of the singer for generations, particularly her highly recognizable silhouette and long black gloves. The inherent qualities of the original lithographs produced in 1894 have secured their lasting status in the history of Modern art. This particular example of the illustrated book resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, contributing to MoMA's deep holdings in late 19th-century French prints. Given the age and importance of the work, prints of this major illustrated book are often studied and referenced across various public domain collections globally.