Lion's Head from the Capitoline Staircase 1752 - 1756

Augustin Pajou sketched this "Lion's Head from the Capitoline Staircase" with graphite, rendering the muscular form and stoic expression of the lion. The composition focuses on the lion's head in profile, its gaze directed towards the left, framed by a softly shaded background. Pajou’s skill is evident in the subtle gradations of tone, achieved through delicate cross-hatching, which define the contours of the lion’s face and mane. The texture created by these lines gives a sense of depth and volume. The structural arrangement invites the viewer to contemplate the balance between the raw power of the lion and its symbolic representation in classical architecture. The drawing explores themes of strength, nobility, and classical ideals. It's worth thinking about how Pajou’s technical choices—the precision of line, the distribution of light and shadow—contribute to the sculpture's aesthetic and symbolic impact. The artwork remains open to ongoing interpretation, continually engaging with viewers across different cultural and historical contexts.