The Toad
1899
Forget the glitz of the Moulin Rouge for a moment; Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is busy sketching a toad in this 1899 illustration titled 'Le Crapaud.' The Post-Impressionist master uses delicate, scratchy lines to perfectly capture the bumpy, unglamorous texture of the amphibian's skin. Created for a portfolio of animal studies, this piece proves that his keen observational skills extended far beyond Parisian showgirls. It is a quirky, charming reminder that high art can be found in the muddiest of creatures.
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