Yvette Guibert singing 1894

Here we see Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's depiction of Yvette Guilbert singing, created with crayon and gouache. Notice the black gloves. While fashion accessories, gloves were a powerful signifier in the 19th century, representing formality and mystery. The gloves form a barrier, both physical and psychological, between Guilbert and her audience. One is reminded of the Commedia dell'Arte, where gloves signified status and concealed identity. The gesture of the hands framing her face draws attention to her expression. We see how similar gestures recur throughout art history, from devotional images of saints to classical portrayals of contemplation. This pose activates a deep, subconscious recognition within us, evoking feelings of introspection. Like the figures in a dream, symbols evolve, shed old skins, and emerge renewed. Lautrec’s image encapsulates the cyclical nature of symbols, their resurfacing across time, and their ability to evoke emotional responses that transcend generations.