Studies of Lions

Studies of Lions is a powerful graphite drawing created by the celebrated French Romantic artist Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863) in 1829. Executed with precision on cream laid paper, this work demonstrates Delacroix’s keen interest in animal anatomy and movement, a central and recurring motif throughout his career.

Delacroix was deeply captivated by exotic subjects and the raw, untamed energy of nature, sentiments highly characteristic of the Romantic movement flourishing in France during this era. This particular drawing focuses intensely on the musculature, posture, and expressive features of the lion, a creature he often studied as preparatory material for his large-scale, dramatic oil paintings, many of which depicted historical allegories or hunting scenes. The choice of graphite allowed Delacroix to quickly capture the forms and transitions of shadow, utilizing expressive, deliberate lines to convey the feline power and intensity even when the animals appear in repose.

The careful modeling achieved through varied pressure on the pencil reveals Delacroix's commitment to scientific observation, distinguishing his approach from the more highly polished academic styles of his contemporaries. His extensive studies of wildlife rigorously informed his most successful compositions, solidifying his reputation as a master draftsman of the human and animal form. This original drawing, Studies of Lions, is an important component of the European drawing collection housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. Given its cultural and art historical significance, the artwork is frequently digitized for scholarly analysis, and high-quality prints are widely available through public domain initiatives, ensuring that Delacroix's influential legacy reaches a broad international audience.