Facts about Lion and Lion Art

edstorm | May 30, 2011 |

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The second largest of the planet’s wild cats, the lion, has been safely ensconced in our art, culture and literature since the dawn of time. Revered for its strength, bravery and natural dominance, the lion has featured in all the ancient civilisations as part deity, emblazoned on coats of arms or as the chosen moniker of brave warriors and kings.

Ancient Lion Art

Early cave dwellers of the Palaeolithic period in Europe etched mating lions on the rocky overhangs of the famous caves of Lascaux over 15 000 years ago, while the enigmatic figures of silent Sphinxes – with the haunches of a lion, the wings of a bird and the face of a woman – guard the great pyramids of Egypt.

The Lion’s Range

These constant references in our history indicate the ‘King of the Beasts’ once roamed over almost the entire earth, from Europe, North and South America to Asia and Africa.

Climate change, dwindling wild habitats and an increasing human population have, over the centuries, confined the great apex predator to the national parks and game reserves of sub-Saharan Africa and to small pockets of forest in India.

About the Lion

Currently classified as vulnerable, the lion is the tallest of the felines and, with an average weight of over 250 kg, the large, maned male is second to the tiger in size. Easily identifiable as the only Big Cat in Africa or Asia without spots or stripes, the lion is typically buff to yellowish brown in colour with a light, almost white, underbelly and a long tail that ends in a noticeable black tuft.

Unlike all the other world’s wild cats, lions are particularly sociable creatures that typically live in prides. Each member, or resident, has a designated duty to perform, with the females or lionesses doing the bulk of the hunting and caring of the cubs, while the large, maned males are the prime protectors of the pride.

Old Masters Depicting the Lion in Art

A host of Old Masters have been inspired by the strength, courage and intrinsic beauty of the renowned Big Cat. Leonardo da Vinci captured the creature’s ferocity in his 1486 drawing of a ‘Roaring Lion’, while Flemish Baroque artist, Peter Paul Rubens, crafted spectacular images of lions in a couple of his masterpieces – ‘Daniel in the Lion’s Den’ and ‘The Lion hunt’.

Rembrandt van Rijn’s drawing of a Cape lion in captivity is one of the few remaining visual records of this long extinct species, whereas acclaimed equine artist, George Stubbs included a rampant lion in his highly desirable painting, ‘Horse Attacked by a Lion’.

Lions in South African Wildlife Art

Contemporary South African wildlife artists continue the proud tradition of lion art, with collectible renditions of this majestic beast. Photo realist, David Bucklow’s acrylics of a ‘Leaping Lion’ and ‘Lion Cub’ capture the lithe beauty and cuddly cuteness of Africa’s dominant predator.

Superior South African watercolourist, Sue Dickinson, awarded membership to the New York based Society of Animal Artists, has created haunting, life-like images of the lion in her ‘Lioness Drinking’, ‘Lion Mr Majestic’ and ‘Lioness Vigilance’, whereas Sharon Tancrel’s oils – ‘Lion in Sunset’ and ‘Lion and Lioness Walking’ - faithfully reproduce the potent power and sublime strength of this regal beast.

Lion Art as Safari Souvenirs

The national parks and game reserves of South Africa are some of the last remaining wild habitats of these majestic beasts. Tourists and wildlife photographers travel from far and wide to capture the planet’s prides for perpetuity.

Original wildlife paintings depicting the awesome beauty, magnitude and size of the lion are highly desirable souvenirs which double as a constant reminder of a quintessential safari experience.

Where to Find Desirable South African Lion Art Online

Original wildlife paintings by emerging and established South African artists including Bucklow, Dickinson and Tancrel are showcased online at Fine Art Portfolio. Visit the site right now to browse the collection of art categories and artists and to enlarge the fine examples of lion art on site before sending a live enquiry on the lion painting which best conjures up the memories of an African safari.