Lion Being Taught by Cupid to Sing [reverse] 1444

Pisanello crafted this bronze medal, "Lion Being Taught by Cupid to Sing," employing a circular format that immediately draws the eye around its circumference. The tactile quality of the bronze enhances the intricate relief, presenting a compelling interplay of light and shadow. The composition sets up a fascinating contrast. A majestic lion, rendered with a palpable sense of mass and texture, is juxtaposed with the delicate figure of Cupid. This tension challenges conventional symbolic language. The lion, traditionally a symbol of strength and courage, is here rendered docile, almost subservient, as Cupid instructs it in song. This destabilization invites us to reconsider fixed notions of power and gentleness. The medal's circular form and the interplay between the figures suggest themes of cyclical transformation and re-evaluation, reminding us that art serves as a continuous site for questioning established norms.