Lion skull, 1977

Michael Burgess  

Original Drawing - Anatomical Study: Lion Skull - Frontal View, Upper, and Lower Casing - Graphite Drawing on Strathmore - 90 Gsm Paper. Using a series of sharpened pencils ranging from 6B to 2H. Framed in 1978. (Early Drawing)

This Drawing represents 3 months of sustained work. The preserved skull is from an adult male African Lion, which died of natural causes.

Using the skull, as my subject, I invite the viewer to share in a tactile experience, discovering the weight, the density, and the flow of this powerful organic structure. I became fascinated with the big cats when I was a young boy. While studying Fine Art I became increasingly more interested in all of the sub-species of cats in general. Lions: stoic, proud, courageous, and iconic. What lies beneath all of those characteristics reveals a construction, which is an extraordinary example of natural structural engineering. The formation of the bones provides additional insight into this animal's evolutionary success. My intention was to explore the foundation and underlying form in a manner that would engage others in the experience.

This work may appeal to a segment of people who are interested in Zoology, Biology, Veterinary Medicine, Medical Professionals, Anatomists, Wildlife Enthusiasts, or other Artists. It represents the true beauty that lies beneath.