-Lion c. 1910 - 1913

Editor: Here we have the sculpture, "Lion," crafted by the Arcade Manufacturing Company between 1910 and 1913. It's made of metal, and it has this lovely bronze tone. I find the stylized geometric features of the lion very interesting... What strikes you about it? Curator: This piece resonates with the complex social dynamics of the early 20th century. Beyond being a mere decorative object, likely a toy or a bank, we should think about how it embodies power, particularly in the context of colonialism and industrialization. Do you notice anything about its size or stance? Editor: Well, it is rather small, and its stance seems quite rigid, almost stoic. Curator: Precisely. Lions, as symbols of authority and control, were frequently deployed to justify imperial ambitions. Replicated as a household item, the "king of beasts" reinforces hierarchical structures on a domestic level. Also, considering that it was produced during a time of great industrial growth, how does its manufactured nature play into that narrative of power? Editor: I guess the fact that it's mass-produced lessens its individuality and reinforces the idea of power as something standardized, widely distributed… like a commodity. Curator: Exactly. What this metal lion reveals is the way ideologies surrounding power become ingrained in everyday objects. It prompts us to question how these historical constructs continue to influence our own perceptions. Editor: This gives me so much to think about! I'll never see a little lion the same way. Thanks. Curator: Likewise! The intersection of art and socio-historical narratives provides such fruitful ground for examination.