Yvette Guilbert

Yvette Guilbert is a significant lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1894, capturing the essence of the celebrated Parisian cabaret scene. This particular impression, rendered uniquely as a lithograph in olive green ink, showcases the artist’s mastery of graphic media and his pioneering approach to printmaking. The work was produced during the height of the Belle Époque, a period of rapid societal and artistic transformation in Paris, deeply influencing French culture between the years 1876 to 1900. Toulouse-Lautrec specialized in depicting the vibrant, dynamic, and often candid world of Parisian nightlife, making the lithograph an ideal medium for reproducing and disseminating his sharp visual commentary.

The piece portrays Yvette Guilbert, a world-famous chanson singer renowned for her distinctive stage presence, characterized by her elongated figure, exaggerated facial expressions, and signature long black gloves. Toulouse-Lautrec frequently documented Guilbert, immortalizing her performances at legendary venues such as the Moulin Rouge and the Divan Japonais. The composition employs a swift, sketch-like quality and strong outlines, techniques that demonstrate the influence of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints on Toulouse-Lautrec’s modern aesthetic.

Classified as a Portfolio piece, this work evidences Toulouse-Lautrec’s dedication to producing fine art prints for a widening audience of collectors and art enthusiasts. His ability to capture personality and movement with minimal detail cemented his reputation as the foremost chronicler of late 19th-century Parisian society. This impression of Yvette Guilbert is held in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., confirming its status as a critical document of modern graphic art history. Today, high-quality reproductions of these influential French prints are frequently made available through public domain programs by major institutions, ensuring continued access to this era's groundbreaking artistry.