Lion Roaring 17th-18th century

Curator: This is "Lion Roaring" by Johann Elias Ridinger. It resides in the Harvard Art Museums' collection. Editor: It's powerful, really captures the animal’s ferocity. The contrast in the etching makes the lion's roar seem almost palpable. Curator: Ridinger, active in the 18th century, was known for his detailed animal studies, often commissioned by aristocratic patrons. These works reflected both scientific interest and the symbolic power animals held. Editor: It's interesting to consider the power dynamics at play. The lion, a symbol of strength, is captured here not in its natural habitat but within the frame of human observation and control. The lion is roaring, but to whom? Curator: Indeed, these images circulated widely as prints, shaping European perceptions of wildlife and the natural world, often reinforcing colonial narratives of dominance. Editor: So, it’s a symbol of power, yet also a symbol of a world being conquered. Gives you pause.