Yvette Guilbert Taking a Bow, from Yvette Guilbert

Yvette Guilbert Taking a Bow, from Yvette Guilbert by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901), captures one of the defining figures of the late 19th-century Parisian cabaret scene. Executed in 1898, this print exemplifies the artist's dedication to documenting the vibrant and often gritty life of the Belle Époque. The piece employs the complex medium of lithography with a specialized technique, utilizing a beige tint stone to provide subtle tonal variation and texture against the ivory laid paper.

This work comes from a celebrated series focused entirely on the singer and dancer Yvette Guilbert, whom 1864-1901 frequently depicted. Known for her distinctive, expressive stage presence, particularly her long black gloves and angular gestures, Guilbert embodied the kinetic energy of the burgeoning entertainment culture in France. Here, she is captured in the intimate, reflective moment of acknowledgement, completing a performance with a deeply pronounced bow to her audience. Lautrec’s signature style conveys the immediacy of the moment, prioritizing sharp outlines and highly individualized caricature over classical modeling.

As a leading chronicler of the period, Toulouse-Lautrec often used the production of fine art prints to disseminate his vision of modern life widely. This specific impression, classified as a print, resides within the extensive collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Due to the age and significance of the original work, reproductions of this landmark image are often found within the public domain, ensuring widespread accessibility for collectors and historical study.