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Explore the artistBriton Rivière →
The king of beasts drinks
A great lion crouches at the edge of a mountain stream, lowering its head to drink. Behind it rise rocky cliffs and distant blue mountains. The title, The King Drinks, plays on the lion’s title as king of the animals.
Briton Rivière painted the subject in 1881. A version belongs to the Guildhall Art Gallery in London.
A heavy mane at the water
The lion’s thick mane and powerful body fill the right side of the picture. Its tail curls on the rock. Even in a quiet moment, it looks massive and strong.
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The King Drinks, painted by hand
Briton Rivière · oil on canvas, made to order
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Mountains and still water
At the left, the landscape opens onto blue mountains under a pale sky.
The still water reflects the light, with stones along the bank.
Questions about The King Drinks
What does the title mean?
The lion, king of beasts, drinking at a stream.
Who painted it?
Briton Rivière, in 1881.
Where is it?
A version belongs to the Guildhall Art Gallery, London.
Was Rivière known for lions?
Yes. Lions appear in several of his best-known works.
Sources and image credit
Public-domain reproduction of The King Drinks (1881). Detail images are crops of the same image; no reconstruction or upscaling.
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Make The King Drinks yours
Briton Rivière · oil on canvas, made to order
$299.00$599.0050% off
Bring it home
See sizes and frames
Painted by hand in oil
Free shipping worldwide
90-day money-back guarantee
Real paintings, real brushworkSee what arrives at your doorBrowse all samples → 