Lion at Rest and Sketch of its Hind Quarters after 1650

Rembrandt van Rijn made this drawing of a Lion at Rest, and a sketch of its hind quarters, with pen in brown ink, and brush in brown wash. The quick, loose marks are not traditional of highly prized artworks, but are taken from the everyday life of the studio. They are the result of Rembrandt's engagement with the immediacy of capturing fleeting moments and raw emotions. The work’s brown ink has inherent qualities of substance and tone that add depth and richness to the lines. The use of wash has allowed the artist to add shading and volume to the composition, creating an atmospheric effect. Rembrandt engaged with the skilled tradition of drawing, using a combination of pen and brush to create this lively sketch. These are traditional art materials, humbly used to study the animal’s form. Paying attention to the materials, making, and context provides a new level of understanding that challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.