Created:
Movement:
1860–61
Romanticism
key Notes:
Dynamic composition, vivid color palette
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Dimensions:
76.5 × 98.5 cm (30 × 38 1/2 in.); Framed: 105.5 × 125.8 cm (41 1/2 × 49 1/2 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Lion Hunt" is a painting by Eugène Delacroix, created in 1861. The work exemplifies Delacroix's interest in exotic subjects and dramatic compositions. It depicts a group of hunters engaged in a fierce battle with a lion, showcasing the artist's mastery of color and movement. The painting reflects the Romantic fascination with nature and the sublime, emphasizing the struggle between man and beast. Delacroix's use of dynamic brushwork and vivid colors enhances the emotional intensity of the scene. The work is part of the collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Lyon, France. "Lion Hunt" is significant for its representation of the Romantic ideals of heroism and adventure, as well as its influence on later artists.

Description of the work:

"Lion Hunt" by Eugène Delacroix is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the artist's dynamic use of color and dramatic composition. The work depicts a group of hunters engaged in a fierce confrontation with a lion, capturing the intensity of the moment through vigorous brushwork and a vibrant palette. The figures are rendered with a sense of movement, their bodies twisting and contorting as they wield weapons against the powerful animal. Delacroix employs a rich array of colors, with warm earth tones contrasting against the deep shadows, enhancing the sense of depth and drama. The background features a tumultuous landscape, contributing to the overall sense of chaos and urgency in the scene. The lion, depicted in mid-leap, embodies both ferocity and grace, while the hunters exhibit a range of emotions from determination to fear. The composition is characterized by a diagonal arrangement that guides the viewer's eye through the action, emphasizing the struggle between man and beast. Delacroix's mastery of light and shadow further accentuates the physicality of the figures and the tension inherent in the hunt. Overall, "Lion Hunt" serves as a powerful representation of Romanticism, highlighting themes of nature, violence, and the sublime.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Lion Hunt