Yvette Guilbert-French Series: No. 6

The print Yvette Guilbert-French Series: No. 6 by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, executed in 1894, is a seminal example of the artist's focused documentation of Parisian performance culture. This work, rendered as a sophisticated lithograph and classified as an element within a larger illustrated book, captures the essence of the iconic fin-de-siècle performer Yvette Guilbert, who became one of Toulouse-Lautrec’s most frequent and famous subjects. Produced during the height of the Belle Époque in France, this piece reflects the dynamic visual environment of Montmartre and the burgeoning art of the poster.

Toulouse-Lautrec excelled at exploiting the possibilities of lithography, using rapid, gestural lines and carefully controlled tone to distill the character and presence of his subjects. Rather than achieving photographic realism, the artist prioritized a penetrating psychological study. This particular image, designated No. 6 in the French Series dedicated solely to Guilbert, highlights her immediately recognizable persona, often defined by her elongated figure and signature elbow-length black gloves.

As a renowned master of prints, Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the medium not only for grand posters but also for smaller, more intimate illustrative works destined for publication. The classification as a "Book" piece confirms its intended function as part of a published portfolio or bound collection of plates, emphasizing the accessibility of graphic arts during this era. The enduring importance of this work lies in its unflinching portrayal of celebrity culture and its profound influence on modern graphic design. This significant piece of French culture is held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.