The artwork titled “Yvette Guilbert” is a portrait by the renowned artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created in the year 1894. It is an oil painting that exemplifies the Art Nouveau movement of the modern era. The artwork’s dimensions are modest, measuring 48 by 28 centimeters. Currently, this remarkable piece is housed at the Musee Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi, France, where it continues to be admired for its artistic significance and portrayal of the Parisian singer Yvette Guilbert.
In the artwork, Yvette Guilbert is depicted in a spirited pose, her arms raised high, with one hand gripping what appears to be a curtain or a prop characteristic of her performances. Her attire is a long-sleeved green gown that drapes elegantly, contrasting with her striking red hair and pale facial complexion. The features are rendered with a loose, sketch-like quality that imbues the piece with a sense of movement and vitality. Her expressive face is marked with bold red lips, a critical element that stands out vividly against the softer hues of her skin and the background, which is painted in gentle, earthy tones.
Toulouse-Lautrec’s distinctive brushwork captures the dynamism of Guilbert’s presence on stage. He focuses on her gesturing hands and the elongation of her form, which typifies the stylistic approach of the Art Nouveau period. With swift lines and dabs of color, he breathes life into the composition, reflecting not only the physical likeness of Guilbert but also her vivacity as a performer. The artwork is a synthesis of character study and stylistic innovation, a visual testament to the artist’s fascination with the nightlife and theatrical personalities of late 19th-century Paris.
