Study of a Lion Gm-00027001

Lucas Cranach the Elder (German, 1472–1553) Lucas Cranach the Elder drew this lion with a quill pen cut to an extremely fine point. Using numerous delicate lines, he built up the long flowing mane, the smooth coat, and the tufted tail. This drawing provided the inspiration for the lion in a later woodcut, although Cranach changed the coat and mane to make them more shaggy and curly.

Exotic animals such as lions, tigers, and elephants were extremely rare in Europe in the 1500s. Although members of the aristocracy kept some in private zoos or menageries, artists mainly had to rely on prints or stuffed examples if they wished to include an exotic beast in their works. It is thus unlikely that Cranach drew this lion from life, despite its lively, lopsided expression.