Two lions in a cave 

Wilhelm Kuhnert painted these two lions in a cave during a time when European artists were fascinated by the exoticism of Africa, often portraying it as a land of untamed wilderness. Here, Kuhnert presents a seemingly intimate scene: a lion and lioness resting peacefully in the cool shadows of a cave, observed in their ‘natural’ habitat. However, these depictions often served colonial interests, reinforcing a narrative of European dominance over nature and non-European lands. Note how the lions are depoliticized. They are stripped of any agency or context beyond their animal nature. This reading invites us to consider how such images contributed to a broader colonial project. They perpetuated stereotypes and justified the exploitation of African lands and wildlife. Consider the emotional impact of viewing these majestic creatures reduced to mere aesthetic objects, divorced from their complex social and ecological roles. As we look, perhaps we can reflect on our own position within this historical narrative and consider the ethical implications of representing the ‘other.’