The artwork “Two Seated Lions” by Albrecht Dürer, dated to 1521, is a fine example of the Northern Renaissance art movement. This animal painting measures 12.1 x 17.1 cm and showcases Dürer’s masterful skill in capturing the essence of majestic creatures.
The artwork depicts two lions seated side by side. The lions are rendered with delicate lines that detail their muscular forms and lush, wavy manes. The careful shading and intricate strokes give a sense of depth and realism to the image, despite the small scale of the piece. The lion on the left is shown in profile, looking to the side, while the one on the right faces the viewer with a direct gaze. The expression on both lions is peaceful, and their relaxed postures convey a sense of calm nobility. The level of detail in the lions’ fur suggests a patient and observant study of these animals’ physical characteristics. Dürer’s signature, “A.D.”, can be seen in the bottom right corner of the artwork, marking it unmistakably as his work.
