Construction of the Barye Monument began in 1891 and was completed three years later. Incorporated into its design was a medallion portrait of the artist and versions of several of his most famous works. Located at the east end of the Île Saint-Louis in the Seine River, it is symbolically placed mid-way between Barye’s house on the quai des Célestins and the Jardin des Plantes, or zoological gardens, where he acquired his profound knowledge of the animal kingdom. Toussaint, a painter in oil and watercolor as well as an etcher, was recognized for his renderings of architectural views of Paris, Amiens, and Rouen. Lucas played a central role in the creation of this monument of which this watercolor is a souvenir.