Lion was painted by Peter Paul Rubens in 1612.

Where can I see Lion?

Lion is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Lion?

Lion is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Lion?

Museum-quality prints of Lion are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Lion

Peter Paul Rubens , 1612

Lion is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. It dates from 1612 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:recto: none; verso: in brown ink, in 18th-century hand?: Cette belle etude dessiné par Rubens / a Servi pour Le Sujet de daniel / dans la fosse aux lions / elle a eté acheté chés le Marquis / de gouvernay, par M. nourri / de la vente duquel, elle est [passez?] / les mains du Conseiller St Maurice
Markings: Marked:none

About this work

Overview

Created around 1612 by Peter Paul Rubens, this drawing is a representation of a lion's head.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a lion's head in profile, serving as an exercise in capturing textures, light, and shape rather than a study of a real lion.

Technique & Style

Executed primarily in black chalk, the drawing is enhanced with white chalk highlights and a yellow chalk background, which gives the impression of a loose wash.

Context

This work is part of Rubens' practice in rendering animal forms, with related paintings of big cats held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.