Liggende leeuw

Liggende leeuw is a powerful drawing created by the master artist Rembrandt van Rijn around 1660. Executed in ink on paper, this work classifies as an important example of the spontaneous yet precise animal studies Rijn produced late in his career. The piece stems from the rich artistic tradition of the Netherlands during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by intense observation of the natural world and a sophisticated market for graphic works.

The drawing captures a large male lion resting, often interpreted as an observational study drawn either from a captive animal or based on previous sketches. Rijn utilizes his characteristic sparse yet evocative line work, employing varying levels of pressure and density in the ink to define the animal’s powerful form, musculature, and shaggy mane. Unlike the meticulous detail found in some of Rijn's finished prints, this study prioritizes immediate gesture and the essence of the subject, illustrating his profound ability to convey volume and texture with minimal strokes. Such animal studies were often preparatory works or purely for the artist's private reference, showcasing his mastery of anatomical drawing.

Dated to the final decade of the artist's life, Liggende leeuw demonstrates the continued vigor and economy of line that defined Rijn's maturity. This sensitive study of animal anatomy is a key piece in understanding the depth of the master's graphic output. The original drawing is preserved in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. As a foundational work of the period, high-quality prints and digital reproductions of this masterwork are frequently made available through public domain initiatives.