Lion of Judah: A Graphite Study

There is a strange power in this drawing. It’s the eyes.

They are almost identical. Above, the calm, knowing gaze of Christ. Below, the fierce, unblinking stare of the lion. It stops being two separate portraits and becomes one single thought about power and peace.

Artist stuck to graphite here. No color. Just shadow and line. It was the right call. You can see how the texture of the beard just flows right into the lion’s mane. It feels raw. It’s a piece that speaks to that ancient idea of the "Lion of Judah"- strength that doesnt need to shout.