Liggende leeuw 1866 - 1910

Armand Heins created this etching titled 'Resting Lion'. Observe the lion, a symbol laden with meanings from antiquity to modernity. In ancient Egypt, the lion was associated with royalty and power. Similarly, in Mesopotamian art, lions guarded temples, embodying strength and protection. Consider the 'Lion Gate' at Mycenae, where two lions stand guard, an architectural expression of power and vigilance. This motif resurfaces throughout history, evolving, yet maintaining its primal connection to strength. The rendering of the lion here, however, seems to evoke not raw power, but a serene, almost melancholic repose. Perhaps this is not merely a symbol of dominance, but an exploration of the psychological weight of such a role, inviting us to reflect on how symbols shift, adapt, and continue to resonate across time.