"Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s (1864-1901) style of silhouetted, flat-patterning, asymmetrical composition, elongated figures, and bold outline all reveal the influence of Japanese wood block; but as with all great art, his work embodied that certain ‘something’ that shared the essence of his scenes in remarkable style.  His work with Degas and Van Gogh (among others) and his immersion into Parisian nightlife were fuel for inventive and forceful works which have become legendary.

An original page from the satirical weekly magazine “Le Rire” printed in Paris 10/11/1894 gives theme to another instrument.  Lautrec was enthralled with the atmosphere and character of Yvette Guilbert’s music hall performances, highlighted by songs with highly scandalous words and themes.  They became well known to one another and she became one of his greatest inspirations."

Paul Schmidt

"The drama of the long black gloves - one of her hallmarks - and the spatial treatment of the positioning of her body are compellingly inviting.  The top is fashioned from spalted Maple, Maple burl, Bubinga Pommele, and Walnut, while the bridge is Macassar Ebony.  The Walnut and spalted Maple shapes in the upper bout are as the ruffles in Yvette’s sleeves, and the Myrtle burl section that foundations the Catalin knobs and switch is at once like the sweep of her body and the architecture of her gloved hands.  The soft vertical and horizontal lines that border her visage appear in the figure of the spalted Maple and the Maple burl respectively.  All of the architecture of the image’s lines and developing curves is represented in both the figure and design of the woods. The colours of cream, gold, light blonde, and brown hues of cocoa and red reflect the incalescent mood of the lithograph making for a brilliant thematic whole."

Paul Schmidt