Illustration design for "The Economy of Human Life" 1834

This illustration by Frank Howard shows a nude man with a lion, a deer, and other wild animals in a lush landscape. The composition evokes a sense of harmony between humanity and nature, reminiscent of the biblical Garden of Eden. The lion, a symbol of courage, strength, and kingship, appears here in a peaceful posture, representing an ancient motif of the “taming of the wild.” We see similar depictions in ancient Near Eastern art, where heroes are often portrayed subduing lions, symbolizing control over primal instincts. The serpent at the lion's feet evokes the caduceus, a symbol of healing, here reflecting the ability to exist in harmony. This iconography taps into a deep-seated human desire for a harmonious world, stirring profound emotions and memories, inviting us to contemplate the complexities of human existence and our relationship with the natural world. The motifs' cyclical progression underscores its timeless relevance.