Yvette Guilbert: Saluant le public

Yvette Guilbert: Saluant le public is a seminal 1898 lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, capturing the iconic French chanteuse Yvette Guilbert in one of her defining stage moments. This highly sought-after print belongs to a series of works dedicated to the performer, highlighting her distinctive stage presence, especially her exaggerated, signature black gloves and elongated figure. Toulouse-Lautrec, who was deeply immersed in the theatrical and cabaret life of Paris, became the defining visual chronicler of Parisian nightlife during the fin de siècle in France, establishing himself as a central figure in modern graphic arts and poster design.

Utilizing the medium of the lithograph, Toulouse-Lautrec expertly conveys the spontaneity and energy of a live performance. The composition focuses sharply on Guilbert’s theatrical gesture, where she is depicted in the act of acknowledging the audience. The artist’s characteristic use of dynamic, almost caricatured line work and reliance on negative space emphasizes the figure’s striking silhouette against the stark background, ensuring the dramatic impact of her costume and pose registers clearly. This immediate, candid style contrasts sharply with more formalized portraiture common during the period.

The prevalence of such lithography techniques allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to produce dynamic prints that circulated widely, capturing ephemeral moments of celebrity and culture. This work offers a key insight into the cultural environment of late 19th-century France, where performers like Guilbert were media stars. The print, titled Yvette Guilbert: Saluant le public, is an essential example of the artist's dedication to depicting the vibrant Parisian entertainment scene, moving away from idealized forms toward acute observation. This edition is held in the comprehensive prints collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.