Lioness Resting 1885

"Lioness Resting" is an 1885 oil painting by Dutch artist Jan van Essen, now housed in the Rijksmuseum. The painting depicts a lioness lying on a rocky, sandy surface, her gaze directed at the viewer. The realistic portrayal of the lioness's fur and musculature, along with the detailed depiction of the rocky environment, are typical of van Essen's work, which often focused on animal subjects in their natural settings. The artwork's realistic approach and powerful subject matter make it a captivating example of animal painting from the late 19th century.