The Lion of the 2004 Biennale

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The lion has long been the symbol of Lyon, France, thanks to a clever coincidence between the city's name and the majestic animal itself. As a result, the lion proudly takes its place on the city's coat of arms. This stunning bronze statue was actually created for the "Biennale of Lions," an international art festival held in both Lyon and another city, where artists from around the world put their own unique spin on either the Lyon lion or the emblematic animal of the other participating city - in previous years, those animals included Quebec's bears and Torino's bulls. The model for this statue is a crowd favorite at the Biennale, giving each artist the freedom to add their own personal touch. This particular lion was crafted with elegance and restraint, its only defining feature being its rich bronze material. Yet, it's precisely this simplicity that lets viewers focus on the animal's raw power and beauty, highlighted by its forward-facing pose. Throughout history, humans have been captivated by lions, often depicting them in art to represent values like courage, nobility, and unyielding strength.