Lion 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen created this drawing of a lion with ink on paper. The sketch presents a striking contrast through the use of bold, black lines against the stark white backdrop, immediately capturing our attention. The composition is dominated by the lion's head, depicted in profile, its gaze fixed and intense. The lines are not just descriptive; they are expressive, conveying the texture of the lion's mane and the contours of its face with a raw, almost primal energy. Steinlen uses line weight to create depth, giving the lion a palpable presence on the page. The deliberate strokes, almost scribbled in places, add a sense of immediacy, suggesting a fleeting moment captured with urgency. The asymmetrical composition, with the lion's head occupying the right side of the paper, creates a dynamic tension, drawing the eye across the blank space to consider the unseen. This tension underscores the power and vitality of the subject.