A sketch of lions and lionesses 

Here is Rosa Bonheur's sketch of lions and lionesses, made with oil on canvas. Bonheur was renowned for her animal paintings, and in this sketch, she captures the lions' forms and their raw power. Look closely, and you will see how the thin application of oil paint allows the texture of the canvas to show through, creating a sense of immediacy and movement. The strokes of the brush are clearly visible, and the unfinished quality of the sketch gives us a glimpse into the artist’s working process. Bonheur would study the anatomy and behavior of animals extensively, often visiting farms, veterinary schools, and even slaughterhouses. But here, rather than celebrating labor, her marks celebrates the sheer vitality of these creatures. The very act of painting itself becomes a way of connecting with the natural world, and capturing its essence on canvas.