Creative Interpretations of Lions
In these examples, the artists creatively depicted the lions to look dissimilar to an accurate scientific representation of a lion. This could have been done to change the meaning of the creatures appearance, making him seem active as in Saftleven's artworks, or with a human-like regality as in Gheyn's print.
Artworks
This etching is plate one of a series called Varie Leonum Icones. The two lions are circling each other, snarling with their teeth quite visible. The background is minimal, to focus on the shapes of the beasts.
This was a gift of Mrs. James E. Scripps to the musuem in 1909.
This print shows a large lion facing the viewer. His mane and skin are both loose and layer over the shape of the beast. His limbs are chunky and his claws are non threatening.
This print features a lion in movement, with a raised paw, open mouth, and waving tail. The stand out part of this print however, is the lions large and glass-like eyes. Even though his mouth is open, since the lion has no outstretched claws, it does not appear violent, he almost looks joyous.
This watercolor drawing shows an unnusually colored lion, facing the viewer. He is grinning, and the lifting of his paws suggest movement.
This drawing is quite colorful, with the jaw and teeth of the lion being the focal point. The fur of the lion seems matted and in patches, which looks unusual. Also his eyes are flat on his head and look lifeless.
This ovular image is of a resting lion, who has a peculiar face. The lion's body appears accurate but his face has standout forehead wrinkles and seems long, like a human face. There is a Latin text around the edges of the oval.