Yvette Guilbert-French Series: No. 3

Yvette Guilbert-French Series: No. 3 is a lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1894, capturing the dynamic presence of the celebrated Parisian cabaret singer, Yvette Guilbert. This particular print belongs to the classification designated as a "Book," suggesting it was created either as a high-quality illustration or as part of a published album or portfolio of prints dedicated entirely to the performer. Lautrec was captivated by Guilbert, whom he documented frequently, emphasizing her iconic image marked by her lean physique, expressive movements, and signature long black gloves.

Toulouse-Lautrec was the definitive chronicler of fin-de-siècle French nightlife, utilizing the commercial versatility of the lithograph to distribute his observations of the entertainment world of Montmartre. Unlike traditional painting, this print medium allowed the artist to work swiftly, capturing the ephemeral nature of live performance while creating repeatable images accessible to a wider public. In works like Yvette Guilbert-French Series: No. 3, Toulouse-Lautrec uses minimal lines and stark contrast, giving the subject an immediacy that evokes the harsh stage lighting and raw energy of the venue.

This specific impression of the French singer exemplifies Toulouse-Lautrec's mastery of the graphic arts during the Belle Époque. As a crucial document of both celebrity culture and modern printmaking techniques, the work offers insight into the cultural ferment of France at the time. Today, high-quality prints of such historically significant works from this period are often available to the public domain. This notable piece by Toulouse-Lautrec is housed in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.