Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born on November 24, 1864, in Albi, France. He began painting at the age of eight and took lessons from artists. He broke his left femur at age 13 and his right femur at age 14, causing his legs to stop growing. He later faced discrimination as a physically disabled person. He began working in Paris in 1882, studying at the art studios of Léon Bonnat and Fernand Cormon, and remained there until his later years. He frequented dance halls and bars, including the Moulin Rouge, and, due to his own difficulties, developed an interest in the inhabitants of the nightlife, such as prostitutes and dancers, and painted many of them. However, years of drinking had damaged his health, and he also contracted syphilis, gradually weakening him. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage in September 1901. He was only 36 years old.

He also painted oil paintings, but he is particularly famous for his numerous posters. The fashion brand ROPE sells scarves printed with his posters.