A Lion's Head

Rosa Bonheur, one of the most celebrated animal painters of the 19th century, was trained by her father, the artist Raymond Bonheur. In the 1840s and 1850s, she studied animals directly from life, visiting Paris slaughterhouses and horse fairs, following the example of Théodore Géricault. Determined to work without attracting attention, Bonheur even obtained official permission to wear men’s clothing while sketching in public. 

In 1860, Bonheur and her partner Nathalie Micas purchased the Château de By near Fontainebleau, where the artist kept an extraordinary private menagerie that included deer, wild boar, a gazelle, and even lions. These animals roamed freely in the grounds, allowing Bonheur to observe them closely. According to contemporary accounts, the lions gradually became so accustomed to her that she could approach and even stroke them. Such direct contact enabled her to study their anatomy with remarkable accuracy and to capture something of their character and presence.

P.S. This depiction of a lion isn’t the only one in her oeuvre. In our Women Artists 50 Postcards Set, you’ll find another.  :) 

P.P.S. Discover Rosa Bonheur through 10 masterpieces!