Winged Lion c. 18th century

Editor: This anonymous print shows a Winged Lion. It feels both powerful and a bit unsettling. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: The winged lion is a powerful composite of earthly strength and divine reach. The wings evoke spiritual aspiration, freedom, even judgment. Does its posture, with a paw resting on what appears to be a book, suggest something about earthly and divine law? Editor: That's a great point. I hadn't considered the implied law. Curator: Consider how the figure merges human and animal traits. What memories or cultural associations does this union evoke for you? Editor: I see a convergence of human intellect and animal power. It’s like a guardian of wisdom! Curator: Precisely. It reminds us how visual symbols carry complex cultural meanings, continuously shaped across time and perception.