Slapende leeuw 1729

"Slapende leeuw" (Sleeping Lion), a 1729 etching by Bernard Picart, depicts a lion resting on its side with its head tucked into its paws. The meticulous detail of the lion's mane and the subtle rendering of the ground below create a realistic and intimate portrait of the animal. This piece showcases Picart's talent for capturing the essence of his subjects, making him a notable figure in the 18th-century Dutch art scene. The etching is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, offering a glimpse into the mastery of animal representation in European art history.