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.
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.