Yvette Guilbert

Yvette Guilbert, created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1894, is a defining example of the artist’s mastery of reproductive printmaking and his dedication to documenting the theatrical world of Paris. This portfolio piece utilizes the demanding technique of lithography, rendered uniquely in an olive green hue. This choice of medium and color avoids the stark contrast of traditional black and white images, lending the portrait a distinctive, atmospheric quality characteristic of the fin-de-siècle era. The work captures the celebrated dancer and actress Yvette Guilbert, who was a frequent subject and muse for Toulouse-Lautrec.

Produced during the height of the Belle Époque, this lithograph reflects the dynamic energy of Parisian nightlife that defined French visual culture between 1876 to 1900. Toulouse-Lautrec, an astute observer of performers, used the simplified lines and broad planes of color inherent in lithographic prints to convey movement and personality with immediate impact. His portrayal of Guilbert emphasizes her recognizable figure and distinctive stage attributes, particularly her long, black gloves, making her instantly identifiable to the contemporary audience. This rapid, sketch-like quality elevated the status of the print medium from mere reproduction to a vital form of fine art, reflecting the modern speed and accessibility of the new metropolitan culture.

This significant depiction of Yvette Guilbert forms part of the esteemed collection at the National Gallery of Art. Toulouse-Lautrec’s immense output of prints during this period made his art accessible and widely circulated. Because of its age and cultural importance, the work is often studied as a key example of late 19th-century graphic design. Many high-resolution images of these masterworks are available in the public domain, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to access and study the impactful prints created during this pivotal moment in French artistic history.