Yvette Guilbert (proof before text)

Yvette Guilbert (proof before text) by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a significant illustrated book created in 1894. This highly specialized work is comprised of sixteen individual lithographs, offering an intimate and comprehensive study of the famed French cabaret star and dancer, Yvette Guilbert. Produced during the turbulent but vibrant Parisian Fin-de-Siècle, the book captures the kinetic energy and bohemian atmosphere of the Montmartre scene where Toulouse-Lautrec was a crucial participant.

The format of an illustrated book allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to move beyond the confines of a single poster or print, developing a sequential narrative that explores Guilbert’s theatrical persona and unique stage presence. The selection of sixteen lithographs showcases Lautrec's technical mastery of the medium, utilizing swift, decisive lines and dynamic compositions to render Guilbert’s unmistakable movements and gestures. This particular edition is noted as a "proof before text," indicating that the impressions were pulled prior to the inclusion of accompanying literary matter. This early state emphasizes the artist's draftsmanship and preserves a heightened sense of immediacy and sharpness in the imagery.

The subjects of the lithographs frequently highlight Guilbert’s visual trademarks, most notably her tall, slender silhouette and her signature long black gloves. Lautrec’s focus was not merely on realistic depiction but on distilling the character and essence of his subject, making his portraits powerful documents of the entertainment culture of 1894.

As an important example of French graphic arts from the late 19th century, this piece demonstrates Lautrec’s pivotal role in the development of modern printmaking. The work is preserved as part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). While original impressions of this illustrated book are rare, the enduring appeal of these iconic prints ensures that many of Lautrec’s celebrated compositions are widely studied today, with images from this era frequently entering the public domain.