Lion and Serpent 1863 - 1873

Jules Laurens created this lithograph titled "Lion and Serpent" in the 19th century. It's a stark image, emblematic of its time, steeped in colonial encounters and the visual language of dominance and submission. Laurens, positioned within a society grappling with its imperial ambitions, presents us with a scene ripe with symbolism. A lion, often a symbol of masculine power and colonial authority, confronts a serpent, traditionally associated with deceit or the exotic 'other'. The composition evokes the tension inherent in colonial narratives, where the colonizer asserts control over foreign lands. The lion's roar, seemingly directed at the serpent, might be interpreted as a claim of superiority, a declaration of ownership. This artwork, whether intentionally or not, embodies the power dynamics of its era. It invites us to consider the emotional and psychological underpinnings of colonialism. It's a reminder that art doesn't exist in a vacuum. Instead it shapes and is shaped by the societal forces at play.