Slapende leeuw 1805 - 1844

"Slapende leeuw" (Sleeping Lion), an etching created by Belgian artist Ignace-Joseph de Claussin between 1805 and 1844, depicts a lion in a recumbent pose. The artist's detailed and skillful rendering of the animal's anatomy and expressive face, along with the use of fine lines and delicate shading, creates a realistic and captivating image. This work, housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases de Claussin's mastery of the etching technique and his keen observation of animal form. The subject matter of a lion, a symbol of strength and power, adds a layer of symbolism to the composition.