Lion Resting 1885 - 1886

James Ensor's ink drawing captures a resting lion, a symbol deeply embedded in the cultural psyche. From ancient Egypt, where lions guarded temples, to the biblical Lion of Judah, this creature embodies power, courage, and regality. Consider how the lion motif has traveled through time, morphing from guardian to king. Think of the medieval bestiaries, where lions symbolized Christ, their strength a metaphor for spiritual might. Yet, the lion can also represent base instincts, a primal force lurking within us. Ensor’s resting lion isn’t merely asleep; it’s coiled potential, the ferocity of nature barely contained. The quick, nervous lines betray an emotional ambivalence. Does it evoke admiration or fear? The image taps into a deep, subconscious understanding of power—how it rests, how it waits, and how it might be unleashed. The lion continues its non-linear journey through our collective consciousness.