Who painted Lions Attacking Children?

Lions Attacking Children was painted by Nicolaes de Bruyn in 1594.

Where can I see Lions Attacking Children?

Lions Attacking Children is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Lions Attacking Children?

Lions Attacking Children is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Lions Attacking Children

Nicolaes de Bruyn , 1594

Lions Attacking Children is a print by the Renaissance artist Nicolaes de Bruyn. It dates from 1594 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1923.739
Credit line: Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland

About this work

The date "1594" is stamped in the corner, and the letters "AB" might mark it as part of a series.

This black-and-white print shows two small children surrounded by three lions. One child stands with arms raised, while the other lies on the ground. The lions loom over them, their bodies twisted in motion. The background is dark, making the figures stand out sharply.

The scene looks dramatic but isn’t realistic, it’s a symbolic image. The date "1594" is stamped in the corner, and the letters "AB" might mark it as part of a series.

If you like this style, check out Renaissance art next.

Overview

Lions Attacking Children is a 1594 engraving by Flemish artist Nicolaes de Bruyn, created after his relocation to the Dutch Republic. This dramatic print showcases de Bruyn’s independent style within the Northern Renaissance printmaking tradition.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a symbolic, rather than realistic, scene of three lions attacking two children. One child stands defenseless with arms raised, while the other lies on the ground, amidst the lions’ twisted, dynamic forms. The dark background heightens the dramatic contrast, emphasizing the symbolic nature of the image.

Technique & Style

Executed in black and white, the engraving demonstrates de Bruyn’s mastery of fine engraving techniques, distinguishing his work from that of his uncle and teacher, Abraham de Bruyn. The style is characteristic of Northern Renaissance printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in 1594, the print bears the date in the corner and possibly the series mark 'AB'. De Bruyn, born into a sugar manufacturer’s family in Flanders, trained under his uncle before establishing himself in the Dutch Republic.

Context

Lions Attacking Children reflects the Northern Renaissance emphasis on expressive and symbolic printmaking. De Bruyn’s relocation to the Dutch Republic influenced his work, contributing to the region’s vibrant artistic output.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of Lions Attacking Children on subsequent art movements are not prominently documented, it remains a representative example of Northern Renaissance engraving techniques and symbolic themes of the late 16th century.