Taking a Bow, plate eight from Yvette Guilbert

Taking a Bow, plate eight from Yvette Guilbert is a significant lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1898. Rooted in the visual culture of late 19th-century France, this print captures the definitive style of the Post-Impressionist master. The work was expertly executed using crayon on a lithographic stone, with textural details achieved through the application of a scraper, resulting in the rich, deep tones of olive-green ink on cream wove paper.

The subject of this piece is the renowned French cabaret singer Yvette Guilbert, whom Toulouse-Lautrec frequently depicted. This plate captures her characteristic stage energy, likely showing her in the midst of a dramatic gesture or acknowledging the applause of her audience. The artist’s keen focus on the expressive performance of Parisian nightlife is evident, documenting the ephemeral moments of entertainment with stark observation. The image was printed by the Westminster Press and published by Ernest Brown & Phillips, confirming the collaborative process involved in producing high-quality art prints at the turn of the century.

Toulouse-Lautrec’s work helped to elevate the status of the poster and the lithograph, transforming graphic design into a serious artistic pursuit. This fine example of his draftsmanship is preserved in the extensive collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As one of the seminal printmakers from France, Toulouse-Lautrec’s influential works have reached broad audiences; original prints like this are highly valued, and many such historical images eventually enter the public domain, ensuring wide accessibility for study and appreciation.