The small Lion Hunt (with one Lion)

This small and rapidly sketched print - almost expressionist in its spontaneity and immediacy - is one of two early etchings by Rembrandt of lion hunts (see also B. 115; New Holl. 28), a subject he returned to again on a larger scale and in a more measured style in 1641 (B. 114; New Holl. 187). We know that especially in the early years of his career, Rubens was Rembrandt's role model and it is likely that he was drawn to this theme by Rubens' dramatic paintings of lion hunts (and other exotic animals) and engravings after these works. Another, more direct visual source may have been the etchings of Antonio Tempesta (circa 1555-1630), as we know that Rembrandt owned four volumes of his prints (see for example B. 168 from Hunting Scenes VII). He simplified the arrangement of the figures, narrowed the focus, and increased the sense of drama by using strong chiaroscuro without intermediate tones. Rough, vigorous shading has been added to convey the effects of light, but with almost no consideration for modelling. Rembrandt at this point is still far from having mastered the technical aspects of the etching method, but the lack of control, the foul-biting and the many plate impurities only add to the violence and drama of the scene.