A Lion, Full Face, August 30, 1841

A Lion, Full Face, August 30, 1841 by Eugène Delacroix is an intense graphite study that captures the raw power and expressive anatomy of the king of beasts. Executed in 1841, this powerful drawing reflects Delacroix's lifelong fascination with the energy and drama inherent in animal subjects, a hallmark of the Romantic movement in French art. The medium, simple graphite on paper, allows the artist to focus entirely on texture and form, utilizing short, vigorous lines to define the heavy, bristling mane and the intense, focused gaze of the animal.

Delacroix frequently used these observational drawings of lions and other exotic animals, often sketched from life at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, as essential reference material for his monumental oil paintings, particularly those focused on dramatic hunt scenes or violent mythological subjects. Unlike the reserved renderings common in academic tradition, Delacroix imbued his animal subjects with palpable psychological depth; the frontal presentation here maximizes the animal's imposing and formidable presence. The detailed cross-hatching technique employed skillfully defines the muscular structure around the jaw and eyes, conveying both alertness and potential ferocity.

Classified as a preparatory study, this highly finished sketch demonstrates Delacroix’s command of draftsmanship and his ability to capture instantaneous emotion within a detailed anatomical work. As the artist matured, these specialized animal studies became increasingly sophisticated, influencing later generations of artists who sought dynamism in their compositions. This notable piece of 19th-century French draftsmanship is a key item in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the original work is housed. Given the drawing's historical significance, high-quality prints and digital reproductions are widely available through various public domain initiatives.