Lion and the sun 

Niko Pirosmani, in this "Lion and the Sun", painted on oilcloth, presents us with symbols deeply embedded in the cultural psyche. The lion, a potent emblem of royalty, strength, and courage, stands beside a sun with a human face. These motifs are not unique to Pirosmani; they echo through Persian, Georgian, and even ancient Near Eastern art, where the lion was often linked to solar deities and royal power. Consider the ancient Mesopotamian lamassu—a winged lion or bull with a human head—guardian figures meant to protect and empower. The motif has morphed over centuries, yet the core symbolism of power and guardianship remains. Here, the sun's human face could be a representation of divine authority. Such symbols engage us on a primal level. The lion's roar—a visceral expression of dominance, evoking both fear and respect. Pirosmani taps into this collective memory, reminding us how symbols persist, evolving yet retaining their elemental power across the ages.