“LIONESS” is a sculpture created by the artist Alexander Calder in 1929, associated with the Expressionism movement. The sculpture features a restful depiction of a lioness, conveyed through the medium of wood. The form captures the essence of the animal with a stylized representation that emphasizes emotional expression over physical accuracy, which is a characteristic of the Expressionist movement.
The sculpture is carved to present the lioness in a reclining position, her body stretched out in a relaxed pose. The wood medium provides a warm, natural look, and the grain and textures of the wood contribute to the overall aesthetic of the piece. Calder’s approach in creating this sculpture simplifies the form of the lioness, with gentle curves and smoothed lines suggesting the shape and musculature of the animal. The lioness’s head is turned slightly, giving her a sense of presence and character.
Despite its stylization, there is an element of dynamism captured in the positioning of the lioness—the pose suggests a living, breathing creature caught in a moment of repose. This expressionistic interpretation doesn’t aim for realism but rather for evoking the spirit and power of the creature it represents.
