1788
oil
canvas
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Dominant colour
Lions and a Lioness with a Rocky Background is a 1788 oil by George Stubbs, a Rococo painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting depicts three lions in a rocky landscape. Two male lions are positioned in the foreground, while a lioness lies in front of them. The lion on the right faces the lioness, who is looking up at him with her mouth open. The lion on the left is reclining on a rock, gazing at the lioness. The rocky background is dark and shadowy, with some light shining through. The lioness appears to be roaring or snarling at the male lion. Her body language suggests aggression or defensiveness. The male lion on the right seems to be responding to her, possibly in a confrontational manner. The painting's use of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic effect, with the contrast between light and dark emphasizing the emotions and tension between the lions. For more information on this technique, look up "chiaroscuro".
George Stubbs (25 August 1724 – 10 July 1806) was an English painter, best known for his paintings of horses.
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