Who painted Lion and Lioness?

Lion and Lioness was painted by George Stubbs in 1771.

Where can I see Lion and Lioness?

Lion and Lioness is held by Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

What movement is Lion and Lioness?

Lion and Lioness is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Lion and Lioness

George Stubbs , 1771

Lion and Lioness is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist George Stubbs. It dates from 1771 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1771, *Lion and Lioness* is an oil painting by the English artist George Stubbs. The work portrays a male and female lion situated in a natural landscape, rendered with a calm, intimate atmosphere. It is part of the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and is associated with the Rococo period.

Subject & Meaning

The composition shows a lioness reclining on a bed of rocks and foliage, gazing directly at the viewer, while a lion rests behind her, turned away. The juxtaposition of the two animals, one engaged and the other withdrawn, conveys a sense of quiet coexistence and the tranquil rhythm of wildlife.

Technique & Style

Stubbs applies chiaroscuro to model the lions, using strong contrasts between illuminated fur and deep shadows to suggest volume. The lioness’s coat is painted in warm golden hues, whereas the male’s fur appears in darker, more subdued tones. Detailed rendering of rocks, plants, and a darkened backdrop demonstrates the artist’s anatomical precision and interest in naturalistic detail.

History & Provenance

Self‑taught in anatomy, Stubbs is best known for his equine studies, yet this work reflects his broader zoological interests. After its creation in the late 18th century, the painting entered the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where it remains on display as an example of Stubbs’s animal portraiture within the Rococo aesthetic.