Panther and Young Lion Studies

Arthur B. Davies

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of various sketches of large feline heads and figures. The artwork features multiple sketches of panther and young lion heads in profile and different poses. In the upper left corner, there are loosely sketched outlines of a pair of lions, slightly overlapping one another. The central part of the drawing highlights a more detailed render of a lioness's head, with attention given to the intricate facial features and the surrounding mane area, as well as a shaded study within a circular frame. In the lower left, a panther's head is depicted in profile with more defined lines. Text annotations such as "Panther" and "Young Lions" alongside the sketches provide insight into the subject matter and focus of the artist. The sketchy and textured lines evoke a sense of movement and study characteristic of preparatory drawings.