Lion Art

Lion art depicts realistic or stylised lions in various media such as painting, sculpture, drawing, and digital art. Lions have been a popular subject in art throughout history, appearing in various art forms from ancient times to contemporary art.

Here are a few examples of lion art:

  • Peter Paul Rubens’s oil painting “Lion Hunt” depicts a dramatic scene of a lion being hunted by a group of men on horseback. The painting was completed in 1617 at the Alte Pinakothek museum in Munich, Germany.
  • The popular animated film “The Lion King” by Disney tells the story of a young lion named Simba who becomes the king of the Pride Lands. The film, released in 1994, has now been adapted into a successful stage musical and a live-action remake.
  • The famous sculpture “Lion of Lucerne” by Bertel Thorvaldsen depicts a dying lion carved out of a wall of sandstone rock in Lucerne, Switzerland. The sculpture was created in 1820 to commemorate the Swiss Guards who were killed during the French Revolution.
  • Henri Rousseau’s “Roaring Lion painting depicts a stylised lion roaring against a jungle backdrop. The painting was completed in 1907 and is now at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
  • “Lion” by Keith Haring: This colourful, abstract painting depicts a lion in Haring’s signature style of bold lines and bright colours. The painting was completed in 1988 and is now at the Art Institute of Chicago.
LionHead Mask
Bronze Lion Head Mask by John W. Mills
jmposinglion
Bronze Head posing Lion by John W. Mills

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staue of the goddess Sekhmet
Statue of the Goddess SEKHMET
sekhmet
Wall carving on the stone figure of SEKHMET.

 

 

As part of Egyptian civilisation, the lion represented the sun’s fierce heat. He was seen in the likeness of SEKHMET, an Egyptian goddess known as the Eye of Ra, and she is the power that protects the good and annihilates the wicked.

Antonio Canova statue cemetery Angel with a lion
Antonio Canova statue cemetery Angel with a Lion

In ancient Greece art, lions were identified with Dionysus, Phoebus, Cybele, and Artemis because myth indicates that lions drew chariots for these gods and goddesses. Here, the symbolic meaning of lions revolves around protection and is viewed as guardians of the dead and palaces, doorways, shrines, and thrones.

Narasimha half man and half lion avatar of Vishnu
NARASIMHA, half man and Half lion avatar of VISHNU In ancient Greece art, lions were identified with Dionysus, Phoebus, Cybele, and Artemis because myth indicates that lions drew the chariots for these gods and goddesses. Here, the symbolic meaning of lions revolves around protection, and they are viewed as guardians of the dead and palaces, doorways, shrines, and thrones.
Manjushri Himalayan Buddhist art 14th century Tibet
Manjushri Himalayan Buddhist art 14th-15th Century Tibet

In other religions throughout the World

Hinduism art here depicted in stone sculpture as a Temple pillar (a figure of Half man and Half lion avatar embodiment or personification) of Vishnu. Similarly, we see more examples in tapestry, wood carvings, frescos panels, and other mediums.., around the major cities of India and the Asian continent. 

The Buddha sits upon the lion as a throne in Buddhism art, symbolising consistency, strength, and wisdom.

Artist: RUBEN PETER PAUL (1577-1640 Title: Daniel in the Lions Den National Gallery) 

Daniel in the Lions Den by Rubuns

The Old Testament recounts how the Persian king Darius I, “The Great” (550–486 BC), condemned the devout—and steadfast Daniel to spend the night in a lions’ den for worshipping God rather than him. The following morning, the entrance was rolled away after the stone sealing. The astonished Persians saw Daniel very much alive. Giving thanks to God for keeping him safe overnight: “Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. My God sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” (Daniel 6:21–22) For theologians, Daniel’s miraculous survival in the cave symbolised the resurrection of Christ from his tomb and the promise of God’s protection to those of unwavering faith.

 

 

 

PUBLICATION & VIDEOS

ICAS art gallery 2020For all private or corporate commissions by our gallery artists, please get in touch with Sunil Vilas call

ICAS Vilas Art Gallery

8,10 leys Avenue
Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EU
Phone: 01462677455
Email: info@vilasart.co.uk

Visit our gallery today and witness some of the exquisite collections of “The Power of LION ART” in our exhibitions by our portfolio of ICAS gallery artists. The collection includes watercolour studies of bronze sculptures by British sculptors John W. Mills original paintings, study pencil drawings, and affordable limited edition signed prints by Internationally renowned wildlife painter Alan M. Hunt.

 

ICAS ART MAGAZINE

ICAS Vilas Art Gallery, 8,10 leys Avenue, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 3EU, United Kingdom (UK) - Phone: 01462677455 Email: info@vilasart.co.uk URL: https://www.vilasart.co.uk/