A Lion in Profile Facing to the Left ("Leo") 1490 - 1546

Giulio Romano created this drawing of a lion with pen and brown ink, with brown wash, over black chalk in the 16th century. During the Renaissance, artists like Romano looked to classical antiquity for inspiration. The lion, a symbol of strength, courage, and nobility, was a popular motif in ancient Roman art and mythology. But the lion also carries a complicated resonance, embodying not just majesty but also the power of empire, conquest, and even violence. Here, the lion’s poised stance and the precision of Romano’s draftsmanship reflect the Renaissance emphasis on anatomical accuracy and ideal form. Note how the lion's gaze is directed to the left, suggesting a forward-looking perspective. The lion takes on an almost heraldic quality here, imbued with layers of meaning that speak to both personal and collective identities. It invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of power and representation, how they shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.