Yvette Guilbert-French Series: No. 9 by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a significant lithograph created in 1894, capturing the essence of Parisian celebrity culture during the Belle Époque. This work exemplifies the artist’s mastery of the lithographic medium, which was central to the explosion of modern advertising and the democratization of art through prints in late 19th-century France.
Toulouse-Lautrec was deeply embedded in the nightlife of Montmartre, and his frequent depictions of cabaret stars provided acute psychological portraits rather than simple likenesses. This particular piece belongs to a series dedicated to the famed singer Yvette Guilbert, who was instantly recognizable by her trademark costume elements, including her severe profile and iconic long black gloves. The artist utilizes bold lines and expressive distortion, focusing the viewer’s attention on the performer’s dynamic stage presence.
Classification as a "Book" suggests that this image was part of a limited-edition portfolio or album of prints, reinforcing the collector-driven market for high-quality graphic arts at the time. The work reflects Toulouse-Lautrec's unique contribution to French modernism, utilizing the immediacy of the poster format while maintaining the depth of fine art. The original lithograph is housed in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. As with many important 19th-century prints, high-resolution digital copies are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, allowing broad access to the work of this definitive French artist.
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