The Small Lion Hunt (with two Lions)

The subject of the lion hunt was one that Rembrandt revisited three times; the present etching is arguably the most dramatic and dynamic of them all. Possibly showing a scene towards the end of the hunt, one cornered lioness sinks its teeth and claws into an unfortunate rider who has been unseated from his rearing horse, while in the foreground a second lion glowers menacingly, preparing to attack the rider who has his spear raised, likewise going for the kill. Rembrandt leaves us to ponder the final result. His swift, sketch-like lines and extreme contrasts are perfectly matched to the violent, tumultuous scene, and the work is testament to his skill at capturing all the unfolding drama on a relatively small plate.