Venise, quai des Esclavons 

Felix Ziem captures the luminous atmosphere of Venice in this oil painting, focusing on the Quai des Esclavons. The lion, prominently placed, evokes the winged lion of Saint Mark, a symbol of Venice and a figure with roots stretching back to ancient Mesopotamia, where lions guarded temples. Here, this symbol stands vigilant, a guardian of Venice's identity and power. One finds similar protective lion figures in Egypt, Greece, and beyond; each iteration, from temple guardian to heraldic emblem, tells a story of cultural adaptation. The lion’s steadfast presence resonates on a subconscious level, evoking a sense of strength, security, and historical continuity. Though the Venetian Republic has long since passed, the lion persists, an echo of a powerful, and proud maritime past. This powerful symbol resurfaces, bearing new meanings in different historical contexts.