Tender Care — Lioness and Cub in the Maasai Mara, Kenya
An intimate moment in Kenya’s Maasai Mara: a lioness carries her tiny cub through the long grass in soft morning light, a rare portrait of wild maternal care.
Description
Story Behind the Photograph
This photograph was made in Kenya’s Maasai Mara just after sunrise, when the light is soft and the grass still holds the cool of night. We had been following a lioness with very young cubs, knowing that sooner or later she would need to move them to a safer place.
For a long time she stayed hidden in the tall grass, nothing more than the occasional flick of an ear to show where she lay. Then, without warning, she rose, picked up one of the cubs and began to walk straight across the clearing. I stayed completely still as she approached, her eyes alert but calm, the cub hanging loose in her jaws with its paws curled and eyes closed in complete trust.
It was only a brief passage — a few quiet steps and she was gone again into the grass — but in those seconds the whole story of lion motherhood unfolded in front of the lens. This image later received an award in Nature’s Best of Africa and was exhibited in Washington, D.C., a recognition of how universal this small, wild moment feels.
About This Artwork
Tender Care focuses on the unbreakable bond between mother and cub. Warm tones and shallow depth of field wrap the pair in a curtain of blurred grass, so that all attention rests on the gentle line of the lioness’s jaw and the relaxed weight of the cub. Her eyes are watchful; the cub’s face is peaceful. Together they create a powerful balance of protection and vulnerability.
On the wall, this photograph brings both strength and tenderness into a space. It works beautifully in bedrooms, nurseries and calm living areas, where viewers can come close and feel the intimacy of the scene. The fact that it is an award‑winning, exhibited image adds an extra layer of provenance for collectors who appreciate fine art prints with a story and history behind them.
Sizes Available
- 45 x 30 cm I 18 x 12 inch
- 60 x 40 cm I 24 x 16 inch
- 75 x 50 cm I 30 x 20 inch
- 90 x 60 cm I 36 x 24 inch
- 105 x 70 cm I 41 x 27 inch
- 120 x 80 cm I 45 x 30 inch
- 150 x 100 cm I 60 x 40 inch
Note: Wood Prints are available up to 90 × 60 cm.
Print Materials
Choose the finish that best suits your interior and style. Each material offers a distinctive effect:
-
Fine Art Paper Print
Archival museum paper offers exceptional tonal depth. It is ideal for custom framing. -
Wood Print
The image prints directly on natural birch wood. This creates warmth and texture. Every piece looks unique, therefore it adds individuality to your space. Available up to 90 × 60 cm. Ready to hang. -
Alu‑Dibond Print
The photograph mounts on aluminum composite, which ensures durability. It delivers a sleek, modern design without reflections. Ready to hang. -
Acrylic Glass Print
Your image is face‑mounted under glossy acrylic. As a result, colors intensify and details gain striking clarity. Ready to hang. - Canvas Print
printed on a canvas, stretched over a wooden frame. Canvas has a more rustic feel to it. Ready to hang.
Full details can be found on the FAQ Print Guide.
Collector’s Information
- Edition Type: Open Edition
- Framing: Fine Art Paper prints require framing, and I can help you select a frame that fits both your style and the space where the artwork will live. Dibond, Acrylic, and Wood arrive ready to hang.
- Shipping: Insured worldwide delivery. Orders produce in Europe or the US depending on your location. This ensures reliable and timely results.
Additional information
| Treatment | Color photography |
|---|---|
| Location | Botswana, Kalahari |
| Keyword | Botswana, endangered species, fine art lion photo print, fine art print, kalahari, large wall art, lion, lion art print, Male Lion, portrait |
| Orientation | Vertical |
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 |
| Print type | Acrylic Print, Alu-Dibond, Canvas, Fine Art Paper, Wood Print |
| Artist | Carole Deschuymere |
| Brand | Carole Deschuymere Photography |
| Print Size | 45 x 30 cm I 18 x 12 inch, 60 x 40 cm I 24 x 16 inch, 75 x 50 cm I 30 x 20 inch, 90 x 60 cm I 36 x 24 inch, 90 cm, 105 x 70 cm I 41 x 27 inch, 120 cm, 120 x 80 cm I 45 x 30 inch, 150 x 100 cm I 60 x 40 inch |















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