Panel c. 17th century

This lavish panel features a repeating motif of stylized lions amidst swirling floral patterns. The lion, a symbol of strength and royalty, has been a potent image throughout history, from the ancient Near East to the heraldry of medieval Europe. Consider the Lion Gate at Mycenae, dating back to the 13th century BC: these powerful beasts guard the city, emblems of power and divine protection. Here, the lions are interwoven with vines. This blending of animal strength and natural vitality echoes in countless forms across time. We can see how the regal lion transforms into a playful griffin or grotesque chimera in the illuminated margins of medieval manuscripts. Such images capture our imagination because they are not static symbols, but dynamic forces, charged with the emotional weight of generations. The lion, potent with authority, has persisted, resurfaced, and been transformed, evolving and adapting in new contexts.