Study of Reclining Lions by Eugene Delacroix.
The owners were not sure that it was a Delacroix, De LusactoldAgence France-Presse (AFP).
When I arrived in the living room, my gaze was attracted by his magnetism.
“Study of Reclining Lions” by Eugène Delacroix. (Photo: Eugène Delacroix viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
It was very moving.
Delacroixs works are seen very regularly in museums but very little in private hands.
Delacroix was one of the leading artists of the Romanticism movement.
While he frequently sketched lions,Study of Reclining Lionsis now one of few known paintings of them.
The artist even studied taxidermy and attended dissections whenever he could.
The lion is dead, Delacroix wrote.
Ride at full speed!
The 24-by-20-inchStudy of Reclining Lionspiece depicts seven lions lounging, painted in rich shades of ochre and brown.
Delacroix really brings out their majestic quality, with thick manes and strong, muscular bodies.
The newly discovered painting went on display atHotel Drouotin Paris, where it was auctioned off on March 28.
