Head of a Lion 1824

Curator: Oh, that lion looks so forlorn! It's like he's carrying the weight of the world, or at least the savannah, on his weary head. Editor: John Frederick Lewis really captured something fascinating in this work. It's a piece simply titled "Head of a Lion," and there isn't an exact date for it. Curator: The eyes get me, they are not fierce at all. I can see a narrative unfolding around it, maybe a commentary on power, or perhaps the loss of it. Editor: There's certainly a tension. Lions have historically been symbols of monarchy and imperial power, which were often associated with masculinity. Lewis's more sensitive portrayal subtly challenges these associations. Curator: Maybe he's just tired of posing! I'm glad Lewis resisted the urge to paint the lion as some roaring beast. There’s a quiet dignity in his gaze. Editor: Right, it reframes the lion, allowing for a broader range of emotional expression. Curator: It's beautiful and thought-provoking. It's a lion, but it's also more than just a lion. Editor: Exactly, It is about challenging visual and symbolic languages.