Circus Wagon Lion c. 1937

Editor: Here we have Howard Weld’s "Circus Wagon Lion," made around 1937 using pencil and charcoal. The lion appears proud, maybe even a bit fierce. What’s your take on this striking drawing? Curator: Oh, my dear, this piece roars with quiet dignity, doesn't it? The artist really captures the strength but also the vulnerability of a creature removed from its natural domain. Imagine him there, a king dethroned, perched atop a garishly painted wagon. Does the slight stiffness in his posture betray a yearning for the savannah? Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn't considered – his yearning! It feels like the artist captured a moment of reflection, perhaps? Curator: Absolutely. There’s a narrative whispered within those charcoal lines. The muted tones speak volumes, hinting at a past grandeur now…well, somewhat faded, like a vintage circus poster. Notice how Weld contrasts the smooth planes of the body with the intricate details of the mane, giving it a regal, almost theatrical quality. Don’t you think there's a bittersweet humor in depicting this creature in such a manner? Editor: Yes, now that you mention it, there's definitely a humorous quality! It seems a world away from the majestic beast in the wild. It's interesting how much one can read into a seemingly straightforward image. Curator: Precisely! And that's the joy of art, isn't it? To find echoes of ourselves, of history, even of faded dreams in these captured moments. It makes one ponder on our own gilded cages and how we try to roar still. Editor: Thanks for sharing your insights. I definitely have a new appreciation for this drawing.