Yvette Guilbert

Yvette Guilbert is a defining lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, created in 1894. This striking print, rendered on ivory laid paper using the sophisticated technique of lithography combined with letterpress, exemplifies the artist's dedication to capturing the dynamic and fleeting world of fin-de-siècle Paris. Lautrec utilized these reproductive print methods to disseminate images widely, aligning his artistic practice with the burgeoning commercial culture of France.

The subject is the celebrated cabaret singer Yvette Guilbert, one of the most recognizable figures in 1890s Parisian nightlife. Lautrec was unparalleled in his ability to seize the specific characteristics of his subjects, often simplifying forms to emphasize movement and personality. In this particular depiction, the artist focuses on Guilbert's distinctive attributes, notably her long, black gloves and the theatrical expressiveness that made her a star at venues like the Moulin Rouge and the Divan Japonais. Lautrec’s commitment to documenting the popular entertainment of his time cemented his role as the visual chronicler of modern urban life.

This influential impression of Yvette Guilbert currently resides in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a pivotal work demonstrating the integration of high art aesthetics into commercial publishing, the piece remains central to the history of modern graphic design. Many of these important prints by Lautrec, created during the late 19th century, are now accessible as public domain works, further ensuring the global recognition of this French master’s contribution to printmaking.