Lion and Serpent at The Musée des Beaux Arts, France

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Human: An impressive figure of a wild roaring lion pins a serpent to the ground. Head thrown back, jaws wide open, the reptile hisses back defiantly. Due to its extremely naturalistic rendering and violent struggle, this sculpture sparked a huge controversy. The public and Romantics acclaimed it, while conservative critics lamented that the Tuileries Gardens, the sculpture's future home, would be turned into a zoo. True to life Barye sculpted animals in an unprecedented manner. First, they were the actual subject of his work, not simply accessories. Secondly, his interpretation was based on an exact and faithful analysis of nature. He sought to convey an illusion of fur, lifelike movements, and untamed character. The lion has real substance; one can feel muscles rippling under his pelt. Alongside painter Delacroix, Barye spent hours studying, drawing, and even dissecting animals in the Jardin des Plantes. But the sculptor was not bound by scientific knowledge: he recreated nature with the means of art. Epic inspiration Barye instilled an epic dimension into this fight. He captured the moment when action seems suspended in time. A dramatic element is added as two animals size up each other's chances, anticipating a frenetic struggle to follow. Although the lion has the advantage, he remains vigilant, evident from his spread claws, tail position, and bristling mane. The tension peaks. The snake, coiled head thrown back, jaws wide open, is ready to strike at the lion's face. The lion's concentrated energy responds: with puckered muzzle, furious eye, and forepaw forcefully pinning the reptile, his body becomes pure muscle. Monarchist symbolism The lion is a supreme example of a monarchic animal, symbolizing force and courage. This sculpture also serves as a tribute to the July Monarchy and King Louis-Philippe, during a time of widespread discontent with the regime established after the July Revolution (1830). The king's accession to the throne took place under the constellations of Leo (the lion) and Hydra (the sea serpent). The sculpture symbolizes celestial approval of this political change.