Lions on Canvas

I think that paintings depicting animals are very creative and imaginative. This begins a short series about all kinds of animal paintings with a link to each given below. After this article, there will be paintings depicting horses and cows.

A Lion Attacking a Horse 1765 George Stubbs

English artist George Stubbs depicts a lion attacking a terrified horse. The artist was known for his anatomical accuracy and ability to capture the movement and energy of animals in motion. In the artwork, you can see the lion with teeth bared and claws out while the horse is struggling to escape. It became a popular artwork in the 18th century. The painting can be seen at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, Connecticut.

Daniel in the Lions’ Den 1615 Peter Paul Rubens

Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens created a painting depicting the biblical story of Daniel. Daniel was thrown into a den of lions by King Darius because he refused to stop praying to God. The painting shows light falling on Daniel which illuminates his peaceful face and highlights his faith and courage in the face of danger. The artwork is known for its vibrant colors and rich detailed textures. Rubens was one of the most important and influential painters during the Baroque period. This is one of his most impressive paintings and can be viewed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.

The Sleeping Gypsy 1897 Henri Rousseau

French artist Henri Rousseau was a self-taught painter. The painting depicts a sleeping woman in the desert with a lion standing by. The artwork has a dream-like quality showing the woman in exotic clothing and a mandolin nearby suggesting she might be a musician or traveler. The painting can be viewed at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

The Dream 1910 Henri Rousseau

French artist Henri Rousseau created a painting depicting a naked woman reclining on a couch in a jungle setting, A lion sits beside her, gazing at her. The artwork is known for its dreamlike quality showing the woman with eyes closed as if she is sleeping and dreaming. The painting can be viewed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Las Chasse aux Lions 1855 Eugene Delacroix

French artist Eugene Delacroix created this painting The Lion Hunt depicting a hunting scene in North Africa. He shows a group of men on horses and their dogs pursuing a group of lions. This work of art is known for its dramatic composition showing the hunters and lions in a chaotic and frenzied scene. Delacroix was a leading figure of the Romantic Movement in French art. This painting is known as one of his most impressive works, It can be viewed at the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, France.

Lion (The Look Out) 1888 Rosa Bonheur

French artist Rosa Bonheur created a painting depicting a male lion, standing watchful and alert. The depiction of the lion is very realistic. Bonheur was known as a skillful animal painter and this is one of her most impressive artworks.

Allegory of Prudence about 1550–1565 Titian

Italian artist Titian created with oil-on-canvas showing himself and his assistants. The artwork depicts three human heads each facing a different direction depicted above three animal heads from left to right a wolf, a lion, and a dog. The varying ages of the three human heads indicate the three eras of man – old age, maturity, and youth. The animal heads symbolize the passing of time – past, present, and future. The painting can be viewed at the National Gallery in London, England.

The Lion of St. Mark 1516 Vittore Carpaccio

Italian Renaissance artist Vittore Carpaccio created a painting depicting a winged lion, the symbol of the city of Venice and the patron saint of the city, St. Mark. In this artwork the lion is standing on a book, its paw resting on the open pages and its wings spread wide. In the background is a view of Venice, with the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, and Campanile in the distance. The painting is part of the collection of the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista in Venice, Italy.

Resting Lion 1992 LeRoy Neiman

American artist LeRoy Neiman created a painting depicting a majestic lion, lying in repose with a look of calm and serenity. The artwork is known for its vibrant and bold colors as well as its use of loose and expressive brushstrokes. The painting is depicted with a regal sense of power as well as tranquility and vulnerability. It is part of the collection of the LeRoy Neiman Foundation.