Liggende leeuw c. 1843 - 1864

Charles Rochussen made this drawing of a resting lion with pen and ink on paper. A straightforward process, yet its effect hinges on the artist’s hand. The stark black lines against the blank page show Rochussen’s control over the medium. See how he varies the marks to describe the lion’s form. Dark, dense hatching suggests shadow and weight, while delicate lines capture the texture of its mane. The animal looks solid and majestic because of these tonal variations. While seemingly simple, pen and ink demands a mastery of line and value. This drawing sits at the intersection of craft and art, reminding us that even the most traditional media require skilled labor and deliberate choices. Appreciating the artist's process allows us to understand the skill involved in producing such a striking image.