The Lion Grown Old 1927 - 1930

"The Lion Grown Old" is a 1927-1930 etching by Marc Chagall. The artwork depicts a reclining lion with a human-like face, surrounded by a donkey, a goat, and a dog. The animals are depicted in a stylized and expressive manner, reflecting Chagall's signature use of color and form. This work exemplifies Chagall's interest in folklore and mythology, where animals often take on symbolic meanings. The image evokes a sense of both fragility and strength, as the once-mighty lion is now surrounded by smaller, more nimble creatures. This print, like much of Chagall's work, explores themes of dreams, memory, and the interplay between the real and the surreal.