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Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a 19th century artist celebrated for his depictions of the Moulin Rouge and Parisian nightlife, suffered from an unknown disorder. His symptoms were not only rare, but also difficult to determine. Both during his lifetime and following his death potential diagnoses have proved controversial, including the most popularly supported suggestion of pycnodysostosis. Addressing the ongoing debate of Toulouse-Lautrec's diagnosis, this article reconsiders the evidence. It summarises multiple perspectives and draws on more recent medical research, while acknowledging that the available sources are often unreliable. Ultimately, while there may be no definitive solution to the mystery of Toulouse-Lautrec's diagnosis, it is possible to draw one conclusion. Observing its impact on his life and work, it is clear that the condition formed the foundation of Toulouse-Lautrec's artistic career, shaping the way he perceived the world and defining the artworks that are now so widely admired., (Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

With their stark contrast and blurred boundaries, the relationship between science, medicine and art has long been a fascinating area of exploration. The depiction of medical conditions in art has enhanced our understanding of the evolution of disease and its treatment, but exact diagnosis of the underlying medical conditions can be difficult. This article reviews some paintings suggesting underlying medical diagnoses under specialty-based headings.