The Sick Lion Summons the Animals to His Bedside from the Sick Lion blockbook, 2nd edition 1445 - 1485

This woodcut from a blockbook depicts the story of the "Sick Lion," a popular medieval fable about a king who is so sick that he calls all the animals of the forest to his bedside. The image shows the lion lying in a bed with a crown, a symbol of his royal status. He is surrounded by a variety of animals, including a dog, a fox, a horse, and a cow. The text in the banner above the image says, "We must all die, and when we die, then we will become dust." This image is a fine example of medieval art, using simple line and color to convey the story. The "Sick Lion" blockbook was produced in the 15th century and is a notable example of early printing.