
Read the visual description
This is a drawing of a monkey. The monkey is in a relaxed pose with an expressive face. The image shows a monkey lying down with its limbs extended, one arm raised, and its tail gently curved. The sketch features loose, gestural lines that capture the dynamism of the animal’s form. The face of the monkey is detailed with a subtle expression. Pencil shading is used for light and shadow, adding depth to the drawing. The overall composition maintains a sense of movement and fluidity, suggesting the natural energy of the animal.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
A Monkey Playing on His Back
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
- Date
- 1880
- Medium
- graphite on wove paper
- Dimensions
- overall: 15.8 x 25.7 cm (6 1/4 x 10 1/8 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 2001.57.1.a
- Credit line
- Gift of Evelyn Stefansson Nef
- Time span
- 1876 to 1900
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- French
- Monkey
- Post-Impressionist
- animal
Provenance
Gustav Pellet, Paris (1859 - 1919); his son-in-law, Maurice Exsteens, Paris; (Justin K. Thannhauser, Paris); (his sale, Parke Bernet, New York, 12 April 1945, no. 40). Curtis O. Baer [1898-1976], Atlanta; by descent; (Jill Newhouse, New York); purchased 2001 by NGA.
Inscription
by the artist, lower left in graphite: 1880; by the artist, right center in graphite: T-L; by the artist, center verso in graphite: T-L
NGA object ID 106996. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.