A Horse Attacked by a Lion (A Lion Devouring a Horse) Possibly 1788

Curator: Immediately, this print strikes me as incredibly violent, but the scene is undeniably dramatic. Editor: This is George Stubbs's "A Horse Attacked by a Lion," also known as "A Lion Devouring a Horse." Stubbs, born in 1724, was renowned for his anatomical accuracy in depicting animals. Curator: It’s fascinating how Stubbs captures the raw power of the lion versus the horse's desperate struggle. Is it a comment on power dynamics, perhaps? Editor: Absolutely. Consider the social context: the Enlightenment's fascination with the natural world, colonial encounters, and the power imbalances inherent within those power structures. Curator: So, the image isn't just about nature; it's a reflection of broader societal hierarchies and the violence inherent in asserting dominance. Editor: Precisely, and perhaps the image provokes us to consider the ethics of human interactions with the natural world and with each other. Curator: I leave feeling like this print is more than just an animalistic depiction—it's a potent symbol. Editor: Yes, it continues to resonate, prompting us to question the enduring themes of power, survival, and the narratives we construct around them.