French Artist, Study of a Lion in a Palm Jungle, 1870, Colored Pencil on Paper

Details

Description

Fine 19th Century French Orientalist Colored Pencil Study of a Lion in a Palm Jungle
This exceptional mid-to-late 19th-century original … Read more Fine 19th Century French Orientalist Colored Pencil Study of a Lion in a Palm Jungle
This exceptional mid-to-late 19th-century original colored pencil drawing is a striking example of the French Orientalist and Animalier schools. Sourced from France and dating to circa 1870–1890, this commanding work captures a majestic lion crouched within a dense, stylised thicket of palm trees and jungle flora.

The composition is brilliantly dramatic, utilising a low, sheltered perspective that places the viewer directly in the undergrowth with the apex predator. The anonymous master hand demonstrates spectacular technical virtuosity with the colored pencil medium, masterfully layering rich tones to render the deep shadows of the jungle and the heavy, tactile texture of the lion’s mane. This is juxtaposed with crisp, confident lines that delineate the graphic, arching fronds of the palm trees above. The piece perfectly embodies the 19th-century European fascination with exotic, untamed nature, exhibiting the anatomical precision and romantic tension popularized by legendary French masters like Antoine-Louis Barye and Eugène Delacroix.

History & Origin
Subject: A Lion Crouched in a Tropical Palm Jungle Canopy

Period: Late 19th Century / Orientalist Movement (Circa 1870–1890)

Origin: France

Medium: Colored pencil and graphite on heavy woven paper

Dealer’s Comments
"This is an absolute powerhouse of a drawing. To find animalier studies from the 19th century executed with this level of dramatic atmosphere purely in colored pencil is incredibly rare. The artist hasn't just drawn a lion; they’ve captured a narrative moment of pure, quiet tension under that dense palm canopy. The way the pencil work has been heavily layered to create those deep, rich tones in the shadows gives the entire piece an incredible depth and moodiness without losing the fine detail of the line work. It has a magnificent, stately presence that perfectly channels a classic grand country-house aesthetic, making it an exceptional statement piece for a library, main hallway, or a sophisticated contemporary gallery wall."

Condition Report
This original 19th-century drawing is in excellent antique condition. The paper support remains entirely flat, stable, and structurally sound, showing a beautiful, authentic light cream age-toning. There is no significant foxing, moisture damage, or historic tearing. The colored pencil work remains beautifully crisp, deep, and highly defined, completely preserved behind it's orignal glass.

It has been newly framed.

Measurements
Height: 26 cm / 10.2 inch

Width: 39 cm / 15.4 inch

Depth: 2 cm / 0.6 inch

Weight: 0.8 k.g. / 1.8 lbs This piece is designed in the style of the selected designer and/or manufacturer See less