Head of a Fox John Frederick Lewis (1804-1876)

The drawing presents a close-up study of a foxs head in profile. The animal is depicted with its mouth open in what appears to be a snarl or a vocalization, revealing a set of sharp teeth and a pink tongue. The artist has rendered the fur with loose, expressive strokes using a range of warm earth tones – ochre, russet, and burnt sienna – contrasted against cooler blues and purples for the background. This color palette contributes to an overall sense of intensity and alertness.
The fox’s gaze is directed upwards and slightly to the right, suggesting it has detected something beyond the frames boundaries. The ears are pricked forward, further emphasizing this state of heightened awareness. There is a notable dynamism in the rendering; the fur appears almost agitated, conveying a sense of nervous energy or potential threat.
The background is not fully defined, but rather serves as a muted backdrop that allows the fox’s form to dominate the composition. The lack of detail in the background also contributes to the feeling of immediacy and focus on the animal itself.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of an animal, the drawing seems to explore themes of wildness and instinct. The open mouth, the exposed teeth, and the alert posture all suggest a creature poised for action – whether that be defense or predation. There is a certain vulnerability present as well; the fox’s expression hints at apprehension rather than outright aggression. This duality – strength and fragility – adds layers to the works interpretation. The artist seems less interested in portraying an idealized image of the animal, and more concerned with capturing its raw, untamed essence.