Ornamental Lion Composed of Scrolls, Holding Pens 1700 - 1800

H.E. Forbes created this ornamental lion composed of scrolls and holding pens with ink on paper sometime in the 1700s. The artist’s identity remains largely unknown to us, but this intriguing piece hints at the cultural context of its time. The lion, a traditional symbol of strength and royalty, is here rendered through meticulous linework. The pens it clutches and the scroll that forms its body suggest a world deeply engaged with literacy and record-keeping. The very act of creating such an intricate image by hand speaks to a pre-industrial era where skill and artistry were deeply intertwined. What does it mean to craft an image of power and authority from the very tools of communication and knowledge? Perhaps this speaks to the transformative potential of the written word. The artwork invites us to reflect on how we create our identities and project them into the world, just as Forbes has shaped this regal beast from humble pens and paper.