Frontispiece - Yvette Guilbert before the Prompter's Box
Original title: Frontispiece - Yvette Guilbert before the Prompter's Box
kurzbeschreibung
This lithograph on laid paper was made by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1898. The frontispiece depicts the famous singer and dancer Yvette Guilbert from behind as she leans toward the prompter's box in a theater. It is a black-and-white lithograph measuring 50.2 x 37.8 cm.
Description
A woman in a long-sleeved dress appears from behind, bending forward as she speaks with the prompter, who sits in an armchair at lower left reading a sheet of paper. She wears a headband and a bun. At the top of the image is the name 'Yvette Guilbert', and at lower right 'Flancre'. The lithograph is in black and white with various shades that emphasize the forms of the figures. The layout is asymmetrical, with even lighting and no strong shadows or highlights.
Context
For a portfolio of lithographs dedicated to the singer Yvette Guilbert, Toulouse-Lautrec created this frontispiece in 1898. Guilbert was a well-known figure in the Parisian entertainment scene and performed at the Moulin Rouge and other cabarets. The artist had portrayed her several times before, often capturing her stage presence and distinctive gestures. The rear view and the inclusion of the prompter's box point to the world of theater and the performer's role behind the scenes.
Impact
The print conveys an intimate, almost casual perspective on the famous singer, who appears not as a glamorous star but in a moment of concentration. The reduced color palette and subtle shading give the image a calm, reflective atmosphere that differs from the artist's often dynamic posters.
Technique
The lithograph on laid paper relies on the repulsion of grease and water. Toulouse-Lautrec used this method to achieve fine lines and soft tonal gradations, as seen in the shading of the clothing and the prompter's box. The edition was intended for a portfolio, which explains the relatively small size of about 50 x 38 cm.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)