“Lion Resting” is an artwork by Rembrandt, a prominent artist of the Baroque period. Created between 1650 and 1652, this animal painting utilizes ink on paper as its medium. It’s part of the Baroque art movement, which is known for its emphasis on drama, rich detail, and deep color. The piece is housed in the Louvre, located in Paris, France.
The artwork captures a lion in a state of repose. The composition is rendered with fluid ink strokes that convey both the soft textures of the lion’s mane and the contours of its muscular body. Rembrandt’s expertise in chiaroscuro, the play of light and shadow, is evident even in this monochromatic work, where he masterfully suggests the volume and form of the lion with varying intensities of ink. The lion’s pose is natural and serene, with a sense of latent power beneath its calm exterior – a common characteristic in depictions of lions that often symbolize strength and royalty. Despite the simplicity of the medium, Rembrandt’s skillful use of line and shading brings the animal to life with a dynamic sense of realism, which is a hallmark of the Baroque era’s approach to art.
