The Lion-Dog of Malta—The Last of His Tribe 1844

This print by Edwin Landseer presents a poignant image of two dogs, one identified as the "Lion-Dog of Malta." The smaller dog, with its leonine mane, embodies a lineage of symbolic power. This “lion dog” evokes the ancient motif of the lion as a symbol of courage and nobility. It is a motif that stretches back to antiquity where lions guarded temples and palaces, a tradition echoing into heraldry and myth. Yet, here, this symbol of strength is domesticated, a lapdog bearing the weight of a vanished lineage. We see an echo of vulnerability of the "lion dog" also in other works throughout time. Consider how the mighty lion, a symbol of imperial power, appears softened and domesticated in Renaissance allegories. These symbols are like psychic echoes that reverberate with the viewer on a deeply personal level, engaging with our innate understanding of power, loss, and the passage of time. This domestication of symbols invites contemplation on the cyclical nature of history.