Lioness Figure 1850 - 1858

Daniel Greatbatch crafted this earthenware Lioness Figure in the 19th century. Note how the lioness confidently poses with its paw resting upon a sphere, a symbol steeped in the iconography of power and dominion. The motif of the lion is far-reaching. We see it employed in ancient Egyptian art, often associated with royalty and divine power, as with the goddess Sekhmet. The Greeks also connected lions with deities, associating them with strength, as seen with the Nemean lion defeated by Hercules. Throughout the ages, lions recur in emblems of authority and courage, from medieval heraldry to modern-day national symbols. The sphere that the lioness so powerfully holds is also suggestive. In many cultures, spheres embody totality, perfection, and cosmic order. The lion's grasp upon this orb may subconsciously engage viewers, evoking a sense of primal control and the raw emotional power associated with territorial instincts. This emblem of mastery is a compelling symbol of the non-linear progression of images—how they resurface, adapt, and accumulate layers of meaning across history.