Yvette Guilbert: à Ménilmontant, de Bruant

Yvette Guilbert: à Ménilmontant, de Bruant by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a celebrated lithograph created in 1898. Classified specifically as a print, this work captures the iconic figure of Yvette Guilbert, the famed cabaret star whose performances defined Parisian entertainment at the close of the 19th century. Toulouse-Lautrec was deeply immersed in the bohemian nightlife of Montmartre, and his preference for the print medium, especially color lithography, allowed him to disseminate images of contemporary figures widely across France.

Toulouse-Lautrec often sketched Guilbert both on stage and in private settings, focusing on her distinctive silhouette and characteristic gestures, particularly her famous long black gloves. In this piece, the artist utilizes the technical strengths of the lithograph to create dynamic, simplified lines and stark contrasts, emphasizing the expressive energy of the performer rather than realistic detail. The reference to Ménilmontant, a vibrant section of Paris known for its working-class venues, roots the portrait within a specific cultural landscape, highlighting the period’s fascination with popular celebrity.

This work serves as a powerful document of fin de siècle society, demonstrating Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery of modern graphic arts and his role in elevating the status of commercial prints. He captured the essence of the moment, creating images of cabaret performers and dancers that transcended mere portraiture. The image of Yvette Guilbert became synonymous with the artist’s visual catalogue of the era. This important impression of Yvette Guilbert: à Ménilmontant, de Bruant is held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.