Studies of the head and forelegs of a lioness 1812 - 1814

Théodore Géricault made this drawing of a lioness with graphite on paper in France, likely in the early 19th century. At the time, Parisian society was fascinated by the exotic, fueled by colonial expansion and scientific exploration. Géricault's choice of subject reflects this broader cultural interest in the natural world, but it also engages with a longer art historical tradition. Artists had long used animal studies to hone their skills in anatomy and observation. The detailed rendering of the lioness's form speaks to Géricault's training and his interest in capturing the animal's power and grace. To understand this drawing fully, we might turn to archival sources that document the menageries and zoos of Paris, which would have provided artists with the opportunity to study exotic animals firsthand. Doing so helps us understand not only Géricault's artistic process but also the social and cultural context in which his art was produced and consumed.