Slapende leeuw 1729

"Slapende leeuw" (Sleeping Lion), created in 1729 by Dutch artist Bernard Picart (1673-1733), is an etching that depicts a lion in a resting pose. This detailed drawing highlights the animal’s powerful anatomy with meticulous lines and shading, showcasing Picart’s mastery of the etching technique. The artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, measures 120 mm by 168 mm and exemplifies the artistic interest in naturalism prevalent in the 18th century.