Yvette Guilbert

The influential work Yvette Guilbert by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, captures the iconic cabaret performer in 1894. Executed as a color lithograph with accompanying letterpress on ivory laid paper, this piece exemplifies the artist’s dedication to the graphic arts. Toulouse-Lautrec was a pioneer in using color lithography to capture the energy and characters of Parisian nightlife, elevating commercial prints to the status of fine art. The inclusion of letterpress confirms the work’s function as a poster or promotional print, designed for rapid dissemination across France.

The subject, Yvette Guilbert, was one of the defining figures of the Montmartre entertainment scene during the fin de siècle. Famous for her unique stage presence, often marked by her long black gloves and expressive delivery, Guilbert was a favored model for Lautrec, who created numerous depictions emphasizing her characteristic silhouette. His sophisticated handling of the printmaking process allowed him to distill her essence, blending bold lines and simplified forms with delicate color washes applied via the stone.

Classified strictly as a print, this piece demonstrates Toulouse-Lautrec’s technical mastery and his profound influence on modern graphic design. The composition is a critical document of French popular culture during the 1890s, when entertainment posters became essential components of the urban visual experience. This specific work is housed within the renowned collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a widely recognized piece of historical graphic art, the image is frequently studied and, today, high-quality prints derived from the public domain are utilized globally for reference and display.