Yvette Guilbert-French Series: No. 1

The influential artwork Yvette Guilbert-French Series: No. 1 by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was created in 1894. This lithograph captures the likeness of the renowned cabaret singer and actress Yvette Guilbert, a central figure in the vibrant Parisian entertainment scene of the fin de siècle. Toulouse-Lautrec frequently documented the celebrities and demimonde of Montmartre, and Guilbert, known for her distinctive silhouette and characteristic black elbow-length gloves, was one of his most favored subjects. This specific image is the first in a set of eight prints that Lautrec dedicated to the performer, demonstrating his commitment to documenting the lively visual and theatrical culture of France during the 1890s.

The technical classification of this work as a "Book" refers to its original format as part of a published album or portfolio of prints. Toulouse-Lautrec mastered the complex process of color lithography, using the flat stone printing technique to achieve dynamic, immediate results that echoed the energy of his subjects. In Yvette Guilbert-French Series: No. 1, Toulouse-Lautrec utilizes stark lines and minimal color washes to emphasize Guilbert’s dramatic stage presence, effectively translating her performance persona into a powerful graphic image. This piece serves as a fine example of the artist's prolific output in prints.

As one of the critical works documenting the era's performance arts, this piece resides within the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Because this historically significant 1894 lithograph is often considered part of the public domain, high-quality reference material and accessible prints related to this important image are widely available for study.