Liggende leeuw 1666

"Liggende leeuw," a 1666 drawing by Dutch artist Cornelis Saftleven (1607-1681), depicts a reclining lion resting near a skeletal carcass. The detailed yet simple pen and ink lines capture the animal’s powerful form, while the faint washes of grey and brown enhance the sense of volume. This naturalistic portrayal of the lion, a symbol of strength and majesty, showcases Saftleven's talent for capturing the essence of his subjects through precise observation.