Reclining Lion c. 1660

"Reclining Lion" is a pen and ink drawing by Rembrandt van Rijn, created around 1660. The work depicts a lion lying down, its head turned slightly to the side. Rembrandt's masterful use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and texture, especially in the lion's mane. The drawing demonstrates Rembrandt's keen observation of animal anatomy, and the dynamic lines capture the animal's powerful presence. "Reclining Lion" is a quintessential example of Rembrandt's animal studies, which often served as preparatory works for larger paintings.