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Lion

John Macallan Swan

1886

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Animal

Dominant colour

Lion is a 1886 by John Macallan Swan, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: John Macallan Swan
When & what style?: 1886 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This painting depicts a lion in a dynamic pose, its mouth open as if roaring. The lion's body is rendered in loose, expressive brushstrokes, with visible texture and shading that give the impression of fur. The background is a warm, earthy tone that complements the lion's tawny coat. The artist's use of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the painting, with the lion's eyes and nose standing out in sharp relief. The overall effect is one of energy and movement, as if the lion is about to spring into action. If you're interested in learning more about the artist behind this piece, you might want to look up John Macallan Swan.