Yvette Guilbert—Dans la Glu, from Yvette Guilbert

Yvette Guilbert-Dans la Glu, from Yvette Guilbert, created in 1898 by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901), is a pivotal example of late 19th-century French graphic art. This specific piece is a detailed lithograph executed using a beige tint stone on ivory laid paper, showcasing the artist's masterful command of the printmaking medium. Toulouse-Lautrec, renowned for documenting the vibrant and often gritty theatrical world of turn-of-the-century Paris, captured the essence of celebrity culture through his unique visual style.

The subject is the iconic chanteuse Yvette Guilbert, whom Lautrec immortalized in numerous works, often focusing on the dramatic tension of her stage performances. This print captures Guilbert in the midst of the song "Dans la Glu" ("In the Sticky Trap"), likely depicting a moment of theatrical struggle or entrapment that defined her controversial persona. Lautrec’s characteristic economy of line and strong, diagonal composition define this piece, emphasizing the movement and drama inherent in Guilbert's act. The inclusion of the beige tint stone elevates the visual complexity, adding subtle dimension and warmth that distinguishes it from simpler black-and-white prints.

This lithograph originates from a portfolio dedicated entirely to the performer, demonstrating the enduring professional partnership between the celebrated artist and his muse. As a significant document of Parisian popular culture in France, the piece maintains high historical importance. The work is currently held in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a key example of the master’s prints and provides crucial insight into the art and celebrity of the period.