The artwork titled “Yvette Guilbert Singing” was created by the illustrious artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1894. It embodies the Post-Impressionist movement and is executed with oil on cardboard. Measuring 57 x 42 cm, this piece classifies as a sketch and study, and it is currently housed in the Pushkin Museum located in Moscow, Russia.
In the artwork, Toulouse-Lautrec encapsulates the lively essence of the performer Yvette Guilbert. Her figure is sketched with swift and confident lines that suggest her animated posture and movement, typical of a person in the midst of a performance. The artist has selectively applied color with a carefree yet considerate approach; the singer’s face is tinted with delicate hues that capture her expression, giving a slight emphasis to her closed eyes and the distinctive smile that seems to resonate with the emotion of her song. Her dress and dramatic gloves are rendered using bold blacks and hints of white, outlining the overall form with a proficiency that conveys Guilbert’s elegant attire. There is a notable economy in the choice of detail, with Toulouse-Lautrec focusing on conveying the character and mood through a few, yet highly expressive, brushstrokes.
The background is left predominantly unembellished, employing the natural tone of the cardboard to provide a stark contrast that highlights the central figure. The signature “H. Lautrec ’94” is inscribed deliberately at the bottom left corner, anchoring the composition. This artwork is not only a testament to Guilbert’s spirited performance but also to Toulouse-Lautrec’s skill in capturing the dynamic essence of his subjects with immediacy and vibrancy.
