Plate 6: lion, from 'Various animals' (Diversi animali) 1636 - 1646

Editor: So this etching, "Plate 6: lion, from 'Various animals'," was created by Stefano della Bella sometime between 1636 and 1646. I'm struck by how this lion, though presented realistically, also seems to carry a symbolic weight. What do you see in this piece beyond just a portrait of a lion? Curator: Indeed! Consider how the lion, across cultures, represents royalty, courage, and even divinity. Here, Bella presents the lion not just as an animal, but as an emblem. What about the lion's gaze – where do you think its attention lies? Editor: It's looking off into the distance, almost yearningly. Maybe it symbolizes a longing for a lost power or a return to a wilder state? Curator: Precisely. Baroque art often used animals to embody human qualities and societal critiques. Does the background suggest anything to you? Editor: It's sparse, almost barren. The group of smaller lions in the back seem much more relaxed than this central figure. Maybe the solitary lion represents leadership or responsibility, separate from the comforts of the pride. Curator: Excellent observation! The barren landscape could mirror the burdens of leadership or even the isolation that comes with power. Think of the imagery rulers deployed throughout history. Do you feel this print suggests something similar? Editor: Definitely. I hadn't thought about it in terms of the burdens of power, but seeing it that way adds a whole new layer of meaning. Curator: By understanding the symbolic language of the time, we can unravel the layers of meaning artists embedded within their work. This simple animal print now speaks volumes! Editor: I’ll never look at animal portraits the same way again. It’s amazing how much cultural history can be packed into one image.