Plate 6 (in-text plate, folio 9) from Yvette Guilbert

Plate 6 (in-text plate, folio 9) from Yvette Guilbert by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created in 1894, is a significant component of the artist's portfolio dedicated to the famed Parisian cabaret star. Classified as an illustrated book, this format highlights the fusion of visual art and literary publication central to modern French culture during the fin-de-siècle. The piece is one of seventeen lithographs, including the cover, that make up the complete publication.

Toulouse-Lautrec dedicated multiple works to Guilbert, capturing her distinct presence through the inherent graphic qualities of the printmaking medium. Lithography allowed the artist to achieve the immediacy and energy characteristic of the contemporary entertainment scene. Executed in 1894, this work exemplifies the artist's commitment to documenting modern life, focusing intently on subjects drawn from Parisian nightlife and high society. The technical execution of the lithograph employs stark contrasts and fluid, economical lines, which enhance the expressive quality of Guilbert's silhouette and stage demeanor.

This illustration is critical to understanding the legacy of Toulouse-Lautrec, demonstrating his mastery not just in painting but in graphic art, where his works circulated widely as posters and fine art prints. The significance of this particular work lies in its documentation of a pivotal cultural figure in 1894 Paris, combining artistic merit with social commentary. The complete illustrated book, featuring Plate 6 (in-text plate, folio 9) from Yvette Guilbert, is held in the esteemed collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), recognizing its status as a key example of modernist graphic art. The wide accessibility of high-resolution images ensures that this important piece of French art history remains visible, often entering the public domain after initial publication.