The Lion 1921

Editor: Here we have Eric Gill’s "The Lion," a small wood engraving in the Tate collection. Its roaring silhouette feels both powerful and heraldic. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Gill's lion, stripped bare, is a potent symbol. Consider the historical context of the British Empire, where the lion was often a symbol of power, dominance, and even brutality. How does Gill engage with this loaded imagery, particularly in an era questioning colonial power? Editor: That's fascinating. So, it’s not just a lion, but a commentary on power? Curator: Precisely. It compels us to question whose power is being represented and at what cost. Perhaps it’s a call for a more critical understanding of these symbols. Food for thought, right? Editor: Definitely. I’ll never look at a lion the same way again!