Art News around the World

 LION IN ART

The King of the Jungle, a symbol of courage and monarchy. The images of the Lion has always been a fascinating subject studied by artists throughout the different ages and period of time as equal importance next to the human form in the history of Art. We are able to witness some of the finest works around the World as references of art captured as landmark to major historical building as part of the design and its importance significant to the surrounding architecture, landscape and gardens.

As part of the Egyptian civilization, the lion represents the ferocious heat of the sun and was seen in the likeness of SEKHMET, Egyptian goddess known as the Eye of Ra. She is the power that protects the good and annihilates the wicked.

 

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

In other religion throughout the World

Hinduism art  here depicted in stone sculpture as 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.

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

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, after the stone sealing the entrance was rolled away, 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 for ever. My God hath 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 symbolized the resurrection of Christ from his tomb, and the promise of God’s protection to those of unwavering faith.

In Buddhism, The Buddha sits upon the lion as a throne of consistency, strength and wisdom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit ICAS – Vilas Fine Art today and witness some of the exquisite collection of “The Power of LION ART” showcase in their regular monthly changing exhibitions by our portfolio of  their ICAS gallery artists. The Lion collection includes watercolour studies to bronze sculptures by British sculptor John W. Mills and original paintings, study pencil drawings to affordable limited edition signed prints by Internationally renowned wildlife painter Alan M. Hunt.

Website: www.vilasart.co.uk

 

Other interesting references and links to the subject of LION ART:

1. FAMOUS LAND MARK OF LONDON – Edwin Landseer’s Lion sculptures in Trafalgar Square

   http://www.speel.me.uk/sculptlondon/landseerlions.htm

2. LION ART EXHIBITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

   METMUSEUM NY USA – Vishnu : The Lion Avatar

   http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2015/encountering-vishnu

    

3. BRITISH MUSEUM LONDON UK –BABYLON , Myth & Reality

   http://www.britishmuseum.org/the_museum/museum_in_london/london_exhibition_archive/babylon/exhibition_overview.aspx

    

4. FOLK ART MUSEUM NY USA – Gilded Lion & Jewelled Horses

   http://folkartmuseum.org/exhibitions/gilded-lions-and-jeweled-horses-the-synagogue-to-the-carousel/

    

5. V&A LONDON The world’s greatest museum of art and design. Lion Art

   http://www.vam.ac.uk/users/node/2115