Staande leeuw 1649

Wenceslaus Hollar created this engraving of a standing lion with delicate lines. The composition of the print is dominated by the form of the lion, depicted in profile, which fills the frame. The artist's technique is characterized by detailed cross-hatching to define the musculature and fur of the lion, giving it a palpable texture. The precision in the lines allows light and shadow to play across the figure, lending it a sculptural quality. The tail that curls at the end adds a sense of controlled energy to the otherwise still composition. Hollar's background as a draughtsman for scientific illustrations is evident here. Although the lion symbolizes strength, what we are seeing is also a scientific and rational understanding of the natural world, reflecting broader cultural shifts in knowledge and representation. This is not just an image of a lion; it is a study in form, texture, and the semiotics of power, viewed through a distinctly analytical lens.