Figure of a seated lioness c. 1752 - 1757

This seated lioness figurine was created in the mid-18th century by Wilhelm Caspar Wegely. It’s made of glazed earthenware, capturing a moment of poised curiosity. Think about Europe during this time, still heavily stratified by class and with colonial projects well underway. Aristocrats had a fascination with the exotic. Often, animals like this lioness were seen as symbols of power and dominion, reflecting a social hierarchy that extended from the royal court to the animal kingdom. But also, consider the craftsman, Wegely. Where did he fit into this society? Through his artistry, he had the power to shape these symbols, perhaps imbuing them with his own understanding and commentary on the world around him. This lioness, while seemingly decorative, invites us to consider the complex layers of identity and power dynamics at play in 18th century Europe. It reflects both a celebration of the exotic and a subtle commentary on the social structures of the time.