Slapende leeuw 1729

Bernard Picart etched this Slapende Leeuw, or Sleeping Lion, during the late 17th to early 18th century. At first glance, this is just an animal at rest. But the lion! A symbol of power, courage, and regality. Here, its strength is dormant, a potent image that resonates deep within our psyche. The symbolism of the lion is a cultural constant that transcends time, appearing in the Old Testament and again as emblems of royal houses during the Medieval era. In ancient Egyptian art, the lion embodies both protection and destruction, reflecting the duality of its nature. The sleeping posture, however, suggests restraint, a control of innate power. This motif has reappeared throughout history. Consider how a sleeping lion can trigger contrasting feelings. In our collective memory, the image stirs a primeval recognition of nature's capacity for both serenity and explosive force. Like a dream, it bridges the conscious and subconscious, where symbols carry emotional resonance. The sleeping lion, it seems, remains a powerful figure.