Studieblad met leeuwen 1885 - 1886

This study of lions by Jan van Essen, sketched in 1885, presents the animal in various poses, each a study in potentiality. The lion, a symbol resonating across millennia, embodies power, courage, and regality. Consider the Lion Gate at Mycenae, dating back to around 1250 BC. There, the lion symbolizes the might of the Mycenaean kings, guarding their citadel. Now, observe the lions in van Essen’s study. Though rendered with a delicate hand, the latent power remains palpable, echoing the ancient symbol. The lion's symbolic journey does not end there. From heraldic emblems to the biblical image of the Lion of Judah, this animal has been imbued with layers of cultural meaning. The image of the lion, passed down through collective memory, evokes primal emotions. The cyclical return of the lion motif through art is a testament to its enduring psychological resonance.