Lion Crushing a Serpent

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Lion Crushing a Serpent (1832) is a notable work by Antoine-Louis Barye (1796 - 1875), a sculptor renowned for his exceptional skill with animal subjects despite criticism from his contemporaries. Barye, the founder of Parisian animaliers, is now widely respected for his artistry. The majestic lion, symbolizing the new King and the people of France, triumphantly battles the serpent, representing Charles X (reigned 1824–1830) and the ousted Bourbon dynasty. This powerful image also suggests celestial endorsement for Louis-Philippe’s reign by referencing the constellations of Leo (the lion) and Hydra (the sea serpent), which dominated the skies during the July Revolution (July 27-30, 1830). A replica of this sculpture was created by Guy Hain, a French art forger who produced numerous fake bronze sculptures. The original Lion is positioned near the entrance of Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen.