Who painted The British Lion?

The British Lion was painted by August Gaul in 1895.

Where can I see The British Lion?

The British Lion is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The British Lion?

The British Lion is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The British Lion

August Gaul , 1895

The British Lion is an ink print by the Impressionist artist August Gaul. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

August Gaul’s 1895 lithograph titled *Der britische Leu* presents a lion in profile, its body rendered in bold, simplified contours. The animal balances a globe on its nose while a small dog observes from the background. The composition is executed in loose, sketch‑like lines that convey a sense of immediacy and humor.

Subject & Meaning

The lion, a traditional emblem of Britain, is shown performing a precarious feat, suggesting a satirical commentary on national power. The accompanying dog, diminutive and attentive, reinforces the playful juxtaposition of strength and vulnerability, inviting viewers to consider the fragility underlying displays of authority.

Technique & Style

Created as a lithograph, the work employs the medium’s capacity for bold tonal contrasts and swift line work. Gaul’s approach emphasizes exaggerated musculature and stark silhouettes, aligning with the expressionist tendency to prioritize emotional impact over detailed realism.

History & Provenance

Born in 1869, Gaul emerged as a prominent sculptor and painter within Berlin’s avant‑garde circles. He co‑founded the Berlin Secession, a group dedicated to modernizing German art, and maintained close ties with the influential Cassirer art dealers, who helped disseminate his prints.

Context

The lithograph reflects the late‑19th‑century climate of political satire and artistic experimentation in Germany. By employing animal allegory, Gaul participates in a broader tradition of using fauna to critique contemporary geopolitics, while his stylized rendering mirrors the era’s shift toward expressionist aesthetics.