Study of Lions
The sketch, now preserved in the Morgan Library and Museum in New York, testifies to the in-depth study of Rosa Bonheur's breadth of vision. The painter used numerous sketches like this to study the anatomy of animals. She succeeded in giving a unique personality to each of the living beings that she portrayed.
The study sheet is composed of 5 subjects. The most defined study occupies the main space: a sleeping lioness, nestled on its paws. In the upper part, in the center and on the right, there are two heads of an adult male specimen, one in front, and one in profile. In the lower part, there is a scene of two lions, one asleep and another rubbing against itself, and a male specimen standing, unfinished, caught with a few pencil strokes. Looking at the study, we can see first-rate drawing skills of Rosa Bonheur, her interest in anatomy, her ability to grasp details and shape with short touches.
