The image of a lion is the most common in sculptural art both in an urban environment and in interiors. All artists depict these animals in different ways, sometimes very interesting and curious specimens are found. Each has its own character. Lion sculptures 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 exactly the lion?
It was the lion that inspired man with awe and fear, respect and greatness. Because of his proud appearance and behavior, he is called the king of beasts. In our fantasies we represent this animal in the prime of life, strong, young, with a fluffy mane.
Since ancient times, a huge number of different forms have been used in architecture - both small and large, among which one of the most common is the sculpture of a lion. Why exactly this animal?
First, the lion is an image that symbolizes power, strength, power, kingdom. People have always been partial to these qualities. A lion sculpture is a symbol of wealth.
The houses of all high-ranking citizens who have 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, which has tremendous 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 noted that were highly valued in human society - loyalty, courage, fearlessness. No wonder there is the expression "to fight like a lion." That is why the animal was honored with such an honor as perpetuation in sculptural and architectural art.
The history of the use of the image of a lion in sculpture
Since ancient times, these animals are immortalized in sculpture. Each genus had its own totemic mammal, but the lion was the most common. This animal of all nations had a positive symbolism. Lion sculptures are common in ancient Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, 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-half-man;
- in Christianity, many saints were thrown to be eaten by lions, but were not touched by animals.
In the Middle Ages, the animal personified the watchful guard, as it was endowed with the ability to sleep with open eyes. In Asia, the lion was portrayed playing with balls that symbolize the heavenly body - the sun. In the Renaissance, the lion became a symbol of pride, courage. It was from this 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 - and Jesus Christ himself. After a while, these animals became an integral decoration of the arms of many states and principalities. Their statues began to decorate palaces and temples. 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 sculpture of a lion throughout the world is the monument "The Dying Lion" in Lucerne. It is dedicated to a sad episode of European history. Created by the sketch of the world famous artist and sculptor Thorvaldsen.
The sculpture is dedicated to the Swiss guards, 660 representatives of which were victims of the angry crowd besieging the Tuileries. A detachment of guards was the palace guard of Louis - the last French king.
When a crowd of people broke through to the palace, the king gave the order: "No one should shoot at people." He did not want to shoot his people. But the citizens did not appreciate this gesture. The monarch died, and his loyal guardsmen died along with him. It was in honor of their feat and sacrifice that the sculpture “The Dying Lion” was carved.
Sky lions buddha
According to the tradition of the Chinese lion, many call it “Korean” or “Fu Dog”. In the Buddhist religion, he is a sacred animal. He is always portrayed in the form of a Buddha offering a bouquet of flowers. There are images of deities sitting astride a lion. A royal animal is an image of energy, valor and wisdom.
Dog Fu is depicted in front of the Buddha, as his protector, with a spear in her paw. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors and made of various materials. Sometimes they are depicted with a fierce face, ready to take any measures to protect the Buddha from demons.
Dog Fu was often embroidered on ancient clothes. The Chinese have a belief that in the clutches of the animal - milk, and they love to play with balls. When ancient people came to the forest, they always left balls for them.
Dog Fu 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 entrance door to the room.
Chinese lions, as a rule, are not peculiar to the country's culture. Separate copies were brought to the emperor as gifts. The lion is not present in the early Chinese works of art, but gained wide circulation only with the advent of Buddhism. Lion sculptures began to adorn the entrances to the temples. All Chinese statues depict an animal sitting with one raised paw.
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 the facades of houses. So, the stone kings of the 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 the First. They are a pair of twin lions guarding the marina of Admiralteyskaya embankment.
- Lions of the Lion Bridge on the Griboedov Canal . It was opened in 1825. Since then, cast-iron two-meter animal sculptures have delighted the indigenous inhabitants and visitors of the city. The guardian lions of the bridge in the mouth are held by hanging ropes, paws that have sunk into the pedestal and strained backs make it clear how hard 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 iron, standing in position, pushing balls into granite.
- House with the lions . This is a luxurious mansion, which was transferred to the Ministry of War. He is guarded by powerful lions made of marble.
- Lions from the stairs of the Elagin Palace. The first animals cast from cast iron in St. Petersburg.
- Lions of the Sverdlovsk embankment. The largest family of sculptural lions of 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. These are very complacent animals that hold a cast iron chain in their teeth.
- Chinese lions on Petrovskaya Embankment . Unique and mythical animals are the Shi-Tzu lions. Their height is about 4.5 meters, weight - 2.5 meters.
- Granite lions at the house of Laval. The exact time the sculptures appeared on the walls of the mansion is unknown.
- Lions at the Pavlovsk Palace. They with thoughtful and sad faces, resembling philosopher lions, are installed at the wings of the palace.
Conclusion
The lion is called the king of beasts. It is a symbol of power, power, nobility and regality. In Egyptian mythology, he is a symbol of divine power. 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.
Currently, art is gaining strength again, everything that was valued in ancient times, is becoming even more popular now.