Leeuwen, op de rug gezien 1728

Bernard Picart created this etching, "Leeuwen, op de rug gezien," sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. During this period of expanding European colonialism, the lion was a common symbol of imperial power and dominance. Picart's depiction, however, offers a different perspective. We see the lions from the back, their faces turned away, as if in contemplation or perhaps weariness. This vantage point shifts the power dynamic. Rather than the fierce, forward-facing king of beasts, we observe a more vulnerable, introspective figure. Are they in defeat, or merely resting? In a society where images often reinforced hierarchies, Picart subtly subverts expectations, inviting viewers to consider the complexities and burdens associated with such potent symbols. The emotional resonance lies in this quiet, almost melancholic portrayal of creatures typically associated with strength and authority.