Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, French, 1864-1901 – Follette Philadelphia Museum of Art

The artwork presents a small dog in a vertical composition. The animal is positioned centrally within the frame and appears to be seated or poised for movement, its body angled slightly towards the viewer. Its fur exhibits a range of tones – whites, creams, and pinks – rendered with visible brushstrokes that suggest texture and volume. A delicate pink ribbon encircles the dog’s neck, adding a touch of refinement to the otherwise somewhat disheveled appearance.
Behind the animal, a backdrop of tall grasses or reeds is depicted in varying shades of green, creating a sense of depth and enclosure. The vegetation appears dense and slightly blurred, contributing to an overall impression of spontaneity and immediacy. The ground beneath the dog is painted with broad strokes of orange and red, which contrast sharply with the cooler tones of the background and the animal’s fur.
The artists technique emphasizes a loose, expressive style. Lines are not precise; instead, they convey movement and energy. The use of visible brushwork and a limited color palette lends a sense of informality to the scene. The choice of a small dog as the subject matter might be interpreted as an exploration of vulnerability or fragility within a larger context. The setting – a field or meadow – suggests a fleeting moment captured in time, hinting at themes of transience and observation.
The signature is visible in the lower right corner, executed with a quick, almost casual hand. This reinforces the impression of a spontaneous sketch rather than a meticulously planned composition.