Lion Devouring a Rabbit
- Original dimensions
- 55.5 x 46.5 cm
- Museum
- Room 942
- Year
- 1853
Scene depicted
This pictorial work captures the moment of a brutal attack: the lion, majestic and wild, is relentless in its pursuit of its unfortunate prey. The scene evokes the relentlessness of nature, where the instinct for survival clashes with the cruelty of the animal world. It is a vibrant illustration of the power and brilliance of life, immortalized on canvas by Delacroix.
Historical context
Artwork: Lion Devouring a Rabbit |BRK| Artist: Eugène Delacroix |BRK| Year: 1853 |BRK| Museum: Room 942 |BRK| Dimensions: 55.5 x 46.5 cm |BRK|
Place in the artist's career
This canvas represents a turning point in Delacroix's career, where he combines technical skill and raw emotion. At this time, he also created other memorable works such as Liberty Leading the People and The Death of Sardanapalus , reflecting an artistic maturation through bold compositions marked by expressiveness and violence.
Anecdote
Delacroix once declared: “My paintings are the cries of my soul.” It was on a bright morning at dawn, as he lost himself in the meanders of nature, that he laid the foundations of this masterpiece . The anguish of the wild struggle between the lion and the rabbit evokes a consuming passion that is felt in the painting .