Recumbent Lion

pen and brown ink, on paper toned with light brown wash, c. 1660

Rembrandt had the ability to depict poses and mental states faultlessly, and not only of people. Everything about this powerful lion indicates that Rembrandt saw it in reality and wanted to record it before it moved. The head and squinting eyes are especially well drawn. He created shadows by smudging the ink in places with his fingers.

  • Artwork typedrawing
  • Object numberRP-T-1901-A-4524
  • Dimensionsheight 122 mm x width 212 mm
  • Physical characteristicsrietpen en bruine inkt, met sommige plekken opzettelijk geveegd met een vinger of nat penseel, op lichtbruin gekleurd papier; kaderlijnen in bruine inkt

Discover more

more by Rembrandt van Rijn

Officers and other civic guardsmen of District II in Amsterdam, under the command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq and Lieutenant Willem van Ruytenburch, known as ‘The Night Watch’

Night Watch, Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq, The Night Watch, Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq, Known as the ‘Night Watch’

Self Portrait

Self-portrait

Portrait of a Couple as Isaac and Rebecca, known as 'The Jewish Bride'

The Jewish Bride, Isaac and Rebecca, Known as ‘The Jewish Bride’, Portrait of a Couple as Isaac and Rebecca, known as ‘The Jewish Bride’

Self Portrait as the Apostle Paul

Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul, Self Portrait as the Apostle Paul

The Sampling Officials of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild, known as ‘The Syndics’

The Wardens of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild, Known as ‘The Syndics’, The Sampling Officials of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild, Known as ‘The Syndics’, The Sampling Officials of the Drapers’ Guild, The Sampling Officials of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild, known as ‘The Syndics’

Portrait of a woman, possibly Maria Trip

Portrait of a Woman, Possibly Maria Trip