The Lion by Rubens

Rubens captured the strength and gesture of the great lion in black and white chalk heightened with black. The expression of the lion is intense and powerful. This is a sketch and only part of what became "Griffin & a Mountain Lion."

The drawing is bold, dramatic and interesting for the variety of lines used by the artist. The eyes are drawn with define lines in a clear, powerful manner. The structure of the animal's face is indicated by the highlights and shading. Rapid lines show the powerful legs. The lines also reveal the form of the lion and define the three-dimensional space around the animal.

Because Ruben did so many sketches and had many assistants to finish painting the sketches he made, it was possible for him to do many paintings.