Lion's head 

Otto Speckter created this Lion’s Head drawing at an unknown date, using black chalk and white heightening on paper. Chalk is a fascinating material. Its softness allows for subtle gradations, as we can see in the lion’s mane, which fades into the toned paper. Notice the artist’s use of white chalk, which creates highlights and adds volume to the lion's face. The careful strokes of chalk reveal Speckter’s close observation of the animal’s anatomy, and the way light plays across its form. Drawings like this one were often made as studies for larger paintings or prints. Before the advent of photography, such sketches were crucial for documenting the natural world. So, while it might seem like a simple study, this drawing sits at the intersection of art, science, and the human desire to understand and represent the world around us. When we consider the materiality and processes behind this drawing, we can appreciate its value as both a work of art and a historical document.