Lion, from the Quadrupeds series (N21) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This Lion, printed by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette cards, presents us with a figure steeped in symbolic weight. The lion, king of beasts, embodies courage, nobility, and power across cultures. Consider how this motif echoes through time, from the heraldic lions of medieval Europe—symbols of royal authority and military prowess—to the guardian lions of ancient Chinese temples, protectors against malevolent spirits. In ancient Egypt, the lioness was revered as a fierce protector, embodying the power of the sun. But here, the lion seems contemplative, almost melancholic. This hints at a tension between raw power and a more subdued, internal state, perhaps a reflection of humanity's complex relationship with the natural world. The image subtly engages our collective memory. The lion evokes a primeval emotional response, a connection to instinct and the untamed. This simple card becomes a potent reminder of the enduring power of symbols to resonate across epochs.