Studies of a Lion's Head

Stefano Della Bella

Associated Names
Stefano Della Bella

Artist, Florentine, 1610 - 1664

This is a drawing of three lion heads. The artwork features detailed sketches of lions' heads, drawn with brown ink and fine lines. Each lion is depicted with its mane flowing around its face, with intricate line work capturing the texture of their fur. The expressions of the lions convey a sense of strength and majesty, each depicted from different angles—one from the side, another in a slightly upward facing orientation, and the last lying down. The use of line and shading gives the drawing a dynamic quality.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John Steiner

  • Dimensions

    overall (approximate): 16.1 x 18.1 cm (6 5/16 x 7 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1982.5.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Thomas Tomkins (1743-1816); his sale, London, Hickman's Gallery, 26-28 February 1818, no. 289; Robert Staynor Holford (1808-1892); his son, Sir George Holford. his sale, London, Sotheby’s, 22 May 1928, no. 29B; private collection; sale, London, Christie’s, 18 March 1975; Adolphe Stein, Paris; Mr. and Mrs. John H. Steiner. Gift to NGA in 1982.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1975

  • Master Drawings Presented by Adolphe Stein. H. Terry-Engell Gallery, London, 1975, no. 7, pl. 6.

Wikidata ID

Q64632729

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