Resting Lions 1913

Wilhelm Kuhnert painted these lions in oil, crafting a scene of golden rest and quiet power. I can imagine Kuhnert, out in the field, squinting to capture the exact tone of the lion's mane, building up layer upon layer of warm yellows and browns. The paint isn't too thick, but you can still see the individual brushstrokes that bring these majestic creatures to life. Look at how he handles the light, how it catches the edges of the male lion's fur, giving him this regal glow. And see how Kuhnert captures that weightiness of the paw, that heaviness that speaks to their physical presence. Painters, you know, we're always looking at each other, borrowing, stealing, and riffing off each other. There is an embodied conversation happening across generations. It’s a call and response, a big, beautiful, messy, and ongoing dialogue.