Studies van leeuwen 1880 - 1946

Anna Maria Kruijff's Studies van leeuwen, or Studies of Lions, is comprised of various poses and expressions of lions, rendered in watercolor. Imagine Kruijff, brush in hand, observing the lions, capturing their essence with a few delicate strokes. I see the lion eating some red meat, and feel the lion's face staring directly at me – almost confrontational – asking me: what do you want? The warm, earthy tones of the watercolor create a sense of intimacy and connection. See how the paint is thin and translucent, allowing the paper's texture to peek through. The texture gives the artwork a sense of immediacy, as if capturing a fleeting moment. Kruijff's sensitivity to the nuances of light and shadow reminds me of other animaliers such as Rosa Bonheur. There's a sense of dialogue between artists across time. The simple, elegant, honest lines show an embodied expression which embraces ambiguity and uncertainty. The artwork allows for multiple interpretations and meaning over fixed readings.