Yvette Guilbert

Yvette Guilbert by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, created in 1898, is a highly specific example of graphic arts publication rather than a standard single print. Classified as a print, this unique work comprises three ivory laid sheets, carefully folded in half and sewn together along the fold, resulting in a six-page booklet format. The textual content is executed using letterpress in contrasting black and red inks, a sophisticated technique that suggests the work was a limited edition or a preparatory document related to a broader publication project. The presence of deckled edges emphasizes the handmade quality and refinement of the materials chosen by Lautrec.

Lautrec was renowned for his incisive, often satirical, yet empathetic depictions of the entertainment world of late nineteenth-century France. This particular piece focuses on the legendary cabaret singer and actress Yvette Guilbert, whom the artist frequently documented throughout his career. These prints capture the essence of Parisian bohemian life and the celebrities of the fin-de-siècle era, a period often characterized by rapidly shifting cultural norms and an explosion of public media. The format, size, and detailed construction of the piece suggest it was meant for intimate viewing and study.

The careful assembly of the laid paper structure and the incorporation of text using letterpress techniques demonstrate a deliberate effort to create a refined, yet functional, publication in 1898. Toulouse-Lautrec’s pervasive fascination with ephemeral popular culture and portraiture translated perfectly into the media of prints and illustrated works. This significant document of Belle Époque culture, showcasing both his skills as a draftsman and his unique approach to the medium of the print, is currently housed within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.