Composition

There were four drawings in an envelope labelled 'The crowned Lion/ RSBA' in Whistler's hand (Crowned lion [M.1133], Crowned lion [M.1134], Crowned lion [M.1135], Design for a lion for the RBA [M.1136]). It is not certain if any or all of these drawings were actually drawn by Whistler. Individual proofs of the lion are in Glasgow University Library (MS Whistler R190-3).

Technique

This drawing is the earliest design for the royal lion, and did not prove acceptable. It may not be by Whistler himself, although it was kept with the other designs in his studio. It was drawn with a fine nib, carefully crosshatched and detailed, but somewhat juvenile.

Conservation History

The paper has a tear at top right and traces of a fold across the bottom left corner.