The image of a lion is the most common in sculptural art both in the urban environment and in interiors. All artists depict these animals in different ways, sometimes there are very interesting and curious specimens. Each has its own character. Sculptures of lions can be seen in Beijing, Preston, Paris, Odessa, many cities in Germany, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Saratov, Liverpool, London, Alupka, Las Vegas, Vienna, cities in Greece and other countries of the world. Why are sculptures of this regal animal so common? Which of them are the most famous? This will be discussed in the article.
Why a lion?
It was the lion that inspired man with awe and fear, respect and greatness. Because of his proud appearance and demeanor, he is called the king of beasts. In our fantasies, we imagine this animal in its prime, strong, young, with a fluffy mane.
In architecture since ancient times, a huge number of different forms have been used - both small and large, among which one of the most common is the sculpture of a lion. Why this particular animal?
Firstly, the lion is an image,which symbolizes power, strength, power, kingdom. People have always been indifferent to these qualities. The sculpture of a lion is a symbol of we alth.
The houses of all high-ranking citizens who are or were related to power were decorated with these animals.
Secondly, the massive, powerful, but at the same time flexible body of a lion with many muscles, possessing great strength is a symbol of power and agility, the ability to cope with any enemy.
In the behavior of a royal animal, such qualities were noticed that were highly valued in human society - loy alty, courage, fearlessness. No wonder there is an expression "to fight like a lion." That is why the animal was awarded such an honor as immortalization in sculptural and architectural art.
The history of the use of the image of a lion in sculpture
Since ancient times, these animals have been immortalized in sculpture. Each clan had its own totemic mammal, but the lion was the most common. This animal among all peoples had a positive symbolism. Sculptures of a lion are common in ancient Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, and India. The appearance of this animal can be seen in many mythical characters: chimera, griffin, sphinx.
In world religions, lions are surrounded by a halo of holiness:
- in Buddhism it was Buddha who was called the lion among people, he symbolized courage, protection of order, wisdom, faith;
- in Islam, the son-in-law of Muhammad was called the lion of Allah, he is a symbol of the destruction of evil and the protection of good;
- in Hinduism, Vishnu turned into a half-lion half-man;
- in Christianitymany saints were thrown to be eaten by lions, but were not touched by animals.
In the Middle Ages, the animal personified vigilant guards, as it was endowed with the ability to sleep with its eyes open. In Asia, the lion was depicted playing with balls, which symbolize the celestial body - the sun. During the Renaissance, the lion became a symbol of pride and courage. It was from that time that the mass worship of this animal and the use of its image in sculptural art began.
Lion sculptures
Sculptural lions are found mainly in cities. This is understandable, since art was mainly born in large settlements.
In early Christian sculptural art, the lion was a symbol of Jerome and Mark, and a little later - of Jesus Christ himself. Over time, these animals have become an integral decoration of the emblems of many states and principalities. Their statues began to decorate palaces and temples. So, for example, the winged lion of St. Mark stands at the main entrance to the Doge's Palace in Venice.
Dying Lion
A very famous lion sculpture all over the world is the "Dying Lion" monument in Lucerne. It is dedicated to a sad episode in European history. Designed by internationally renowned artist and sculptor Thorvaldsen.
The sculpture is dedicated to the Swiss Guards, 660 of whom were victims of an angry mob that besieged the Tuileries. A detachment of guards was the palace guard of Louis - the last French king.
When the crowd of people broke through to the palace, the king gave the order:"Don't shoot people." He didn't want to shoot at his people. But the citizens did not appreciate this gesture. The monarch died, and his faithful guardsmen died with him. It was in honor of their feat and self-sacrifice that the sculpture “The Dying Lion” was carved.
Buddha Heavenly Lions
In the tradition of the Chinese lion, many people call the "Korean" or "Fu dog". In the Buddhist religion, it is a sacred animal. He is always depicted as offering a bouquet of flowers to the Buddha. There are images of deities sitting astride a lion. The royal animal is an image of energy, valor and wisdom.
The dog Fu is depicted in front of the Buddha, as his protector, in her foot a spear. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors and made from different materials. Sometimes they are depicted with a fierce face, ready to go to any lengths to protect the Buddha from demons.
Fu the dog was often embroidered on ancient clothes. The Chinese have a belief that there is milk in the paws of an animal, and they are very fond of playing with balls. Ancient people, having come to the forest, always left balls for them.
Foo dog is very popular in China at present. It is believed that her image protects against theft, takes away negative energy. They are placed in front of the front door to the room.
Chinese lions, as a rule, are not peculiar to the culture of the country. Separate copies were brought to the emperor as gifts. The lion does not appear in early Chinese art, and only became widespread with the advent of Buddhism. Sculptures of lionsbegan to decorate the entrances to the temples. All Chinese statues depict the animal sitting with one paw raised.
Lions of St. Petersburg
Marble lions adorn many cities of the world, but in St. Petersburg lions, sphinxes and griffins feel great, decorating parks, gardens, embankments, squares and just facades of houses. So, the stone kings of animals of the northern capital of Russia:
- Lions of the Palace Pier. Guard animals are the most popular in the city on the Neva. They were installed in 1832 by order of Emperor Nicholas I. They are a pair of twin lions guarding the pier of the Admir alteyskaya embankment.
- Lions of the Lion's Bridge on the Griboyedov Canal. It was opened in 1825. Since then, two-meter cast-iron sculptures of animals have been admired by the locals and visitors of the city. The guard lions of the bridge in their mouths hold hanging ropes, paws dug into the pedestal and tense backs make it clear how difficult it is to carry this load for centuries.
- Lions at the Russian Museum. These are two twin brothers who are installed on the stairs leading to the park. Cast from cast iron, stand in a pose, pressing balls into granite.
- House with lions. This is a luxurious mansion that was transferred to the War Department. It is guarded by powerful marble lions.
- Lions from the stairs of Elagin's palace. Petersburg's first cast-iron animals.
- Lions of the Sverdlovsk embankment. The most numerous family of sculptural lions in St. Petersburg is located on this embankment. The name of the author is unknown, only the approximate time of their appearance is known - this is approximately the 1790s.years. These are very benevolent animals that hold a cast-iron chain in their teeth.
- Chinese lions on Petrovskaya embankment. Unique and mythical animals are lions "Shi-tsza". Their height is about 4.5 meters, weight - 2.5 meters.
- Granite lions near Laval's house. The exact time of the appearance of the sculptures near the walls of the mansion is unknown.
- Lions at the Pavlovsk Palace. They with pensive and sad muzzles, reminiscent of philosopher lions, are installed at the outbuildings of the palace.
Conclusion
The lion is called the king of beasts. It is a symbol of power, power, nobility and roy alty. In Egyptian mythology, he is a symbol of divine power. Among the Assyrians and Greeks, these animals were companions of the goddesses. Lion sculptures were created in ancient times and continue to perpetuate this graceful animal to this day.
Art is now on the rise again, everything that was valued in ancient times is becoming even more popular now.
