Where can I see Illustration for "Peronnik the Fool": A Lion Tearing at a Sack?

Illustration for "Peronnik the Fool": A Lion Tearing at a Sack is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Illustration for "Peronnik the Fool": A Lion Tearing at a Sack

Stephen Gooden , 1933

Illustration for "Peronnik the Fool": A Lion Tearing at a Sack is a print by Stephen Gooden. It dates from 1933 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Stephen Gooden’s 1933 black‑and‑white print, titled Illustration for “Peronnik the Fool: A Lion Tearing at a Sack,” is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The composition captures a lion in mid‑action, its mane rendered in tight curls, as it claws at a sack that appears to be spilling its contents onto a textured ground.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a lion, named “Peronnik the Fool,” confronting a sack with its front paws. The animal’s head is lowered, concentrating on the bag, suggesting a narrative moment of curiosity or mischief. The title hints at a humorous or allegorical tale, inviting viewers to consider the folly implied by the creature’s frantic effort.

Technique & Style

Gooden employs precise line work and chiaroscuro shading to convey the lion’s musculature and fur texture. The contrast between the dark outlines and lighter areas creates a sense of depth, while the rough, stippled ground adds visual weight. The print’s stark monochrome palette emphasizes the drama of the scene without reliance on colour.

History & Provenance

Created in 1933, the illustration was acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view. Its inclusion in the museum’s print collection reflects Gooden’s reputation as a leading British engraver and illustrator of the early twentieth century, and the piece exemplifies his work for literary publications.