Lying Lions 

Théodore Géricault painted these lying lions in oil on canvas; a study of nature in the collection of the Louvre. The lion, traditionally a symbol of strength and royalty, sprawls here in attitudes of rest and languor. Consider how different this is from the lion as an emblem of empires. We see this association in ancient Near Eastern art, and later adorning medieval heraldry. The shift from active power to passive repose is quite striking. The reclining lion, a motif echoed across time, carries potent psychological weight. These animals are presented in their natural state, which engages us on a subconscious level. Think of the lions guarding ancient temples, standing watch. Géricault's lions invite a different contemplation. This cyclical progression has been used to express power in various forms, and has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.