Kop van een leeuwin, van voren 1866 - 1939

This is a pencil drawing by Bernard Willem Wierink, titled 'Head of a Lioness, Front View', housed here at the Rijksmuseum. The drawing presents a study in contrasts; the delicate pencil lines, which capture the soft fur and nuanced shadows, create a powerful image of the lioness. Wierink’s work embodies a tension between the precision of representation and the fluidity of the artistic medium. In this drawing, the artist uses the formal structure of symmetry to explore themes of power and vulnerability, drawing the viewer in to contemplate the complex essence of this regal creature. Consider how the careful balance of light and shadow adds emotional depth. It's not just a depiction of an animal; it is an exploration of form, representation, and the subtle power of the drawn line.