Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec came from an aristocratic background, having been born the son of an earl. Even as a schoolboy he showed a talent for drawing. By 14 he had suffered two horse back riding accidents, combined with a serious bone disease which eventually left him crippled for life. His body continued to grow but not his legs, he would remain only five feet tall and suffer pain and embarrassment his entire life. More about Lautrec »