Liegender Löwe c. 1912 - 1916

Wilhelm Kuhnert’s drawing presents a resting lion, a symbol laden with historical weight. Here, the lion reclines, yet his gaze holds a penetrating intensity that is indicative of his might. The lion, a primordial symbol of power and regality, echoes through millennia. We see it in ancient Egyptian art, guarding tombs, and in medieval heraldry, emblazoned on shields and banners. This motif is not static; its meaning evolves. The lion, once a symbol of divine authority, was used to project worldly power. Consider the lion’s gaze, a piercing look that captivates our attention. This gaze, reminiscent of ancient portraiture, engages us on a primal level, stirring a deep-seated fascination. Like the Sphinx staring enigmatically across the sands of time, Kuhnert’s lion connects us to the power and mystery embedded within this enduring symbol. It’s a cyclical return, a resurgence of ancient archetypes re-imagined.