Seated Lion 18th-19th century

Curator: Antoine Louis Barye, a 19th-century French sculptor, created this bronze sculpture, "Seated Lion," now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The lions look like they are burdened by their royalty. They are so still and erect. Curator: Barye was known for his animal sculptures. It seems he was trying to capture the dignity and power that we associate with this king of beasts. Editor: It is like a memory is trapped inside the form. You can almost hear the lion sighing. Curator: The sculptures are also formal exercises in the interplay of mass and volume, the mane as a frame, the gaze averted as if in contemplation. Editor: I am now sensing the weight of generations of lions past. It is sad and heroic all at once. Curator: A perfect symbol for the burden of existence, perhaps. Editor: Yes! A beautiful observation to linger on.