Who painted A Council of Animals?

A Council of Animals was painted by Howitt in 1790.

Where can I see A Council of Animals?

A Council of Animals is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is A Council of Animals?

A Council of Animals is associated with British Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of A Council of Animals?

Museum-quality prints of A Council of Animals are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

A Council of Animals

Howitt , 1790

A Council of Animals is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Howitt. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1790, the watercolour A Council of Animals by Howell Howitt presents a gathering of diverse fauna arranged in two distinct registers.

Created in 1790, the watercolour A Council of Animals by Howell Howitt presents a gathering of diverse fauna arranged in two distinct registers. The upper portion features a lion flanked by a tiger, a leopard and a wolf, while the lower half shows a howling dog confronting a sheep, accompanied by a solitary bird. The composition draws the eye across the canvas, emphasizing the interaction among the creatures.

Subject & Meaning

The work juxtaposes predators and prey, suggesting a dialogue between strength, vulnerability and the natural order. By placing the lion centrally, Howitt may be highlighting its symbolic status as a ruler, whereas the dog’s howl toward the sheep introduces a note of tension or warning. The presence of the bird adds a quieter, perhaps observational element to the otherwise charged assembly.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a realistic manner, the watercolour displays meticulous attention to the texture of fur and the expressiveness of each animal’s face. Fine brushwork captures the sheen of the lion’s mane and the sleek pattern of the leopard’s coat. A subdued, muted background serves to isolate the figures, allowing the detailed rendering to dominate the viewer’s perception.

Context

The painting aligns with the Romantic movement’s fascination with nature’s drama and emotional resonance. In the late eighteenth century, artists often used animal subjects to evoke awe and explore humanity’s relationship to the wild. Howitt’s choice of a varied animal council reflects this period’s interest in the sublime and the moral symbolism frequently attached to animal imagery.