Lion 

Gaspare Diziani made this drawing of a lion, now at the Städel Museum, using pen and red chalk. The lion's face immediately grabs our attention with its detailed features compared to the rest of its body, which appears more sketch-like. The artwork is intriguing when we consider the use of line and form. Diziani uses precise, dark lines for the face, giving the lion a realistic and imposing presence. In contrast, the body is outlined with lighter, less defined strokes, almost as if the lion is emerging from a mist. This contrast plays with the viewer's perception, challenging traditional representations of form. The red chalk sketch in the corner further destabilizes the composition, acting as a kind of abstract counterpoint to the lion's figurative representation. This juxtaposition invites us to question fixed notions of what a drawing should be. It allows for multiple interpretations and encourages a dynamic engagement with the artwork.