Plate 9 (in-text plate, folio 12) from Yvette Guilbert

Plate 9 (in-text plate, folio 12) from Yvette Guilbert by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a definitive example of graphic design from the fin-de-siècle Parisian art scene. This specific plate belongs to a seminal illustrated book published in 1894, composed of seventeen original lithographs (including the cover). The medium of lithography, valued by the artist for its versatility and directness, allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to quickly capture the dynamic energy and defining silhouette of his frequent subject, the famous cabaret star Yvette Guilbert.

Created in French culture during a period when the illustrated book and independent prints gained critical acceptance, this work exemplifies the artist’s mastery of line and psychological portraiture. Toulouse-Lautrec was known for his perceptive and often satirical visual biographies of the characters populating Montmartre’s theaters and dance halls. His depictions of Guilbert, instantly recognizable by her characteristic long black gloves and exaggerated angular posture, emphasize gesture over detailed realism, turning the performer into a graphic icon. This piece serves as both documentation and interpretation of celebrity culture in 1894 Paris.

The complete publication featuring Yvette Guilbert stands as a key monument in the history of Modern Art and graphic illustration. The artist’s prolific output in printmaking meant that many of his influential works, like this one, have become widely accessible, with digital reproductions often entering the public domain. This historic lithograph is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where it is recognized for its foundational influence on subsequent generations of illustrators and commercial artists.