In addition to identifying himself with the animals he represented in his works, mimicking their gestures and reproducing their verses, Ligabue used to press his ears to modulate a lullaby with closed lips, between a lament and a lullaby. Magical gestures, such as circles on the ground, and slow swaying of the body strengthened the preparation. Quick and decisive brushstrokes followed, then, suddenly, Ligabue moved away from the canvas to see the whole.