This week, we're presenting some of our favorite felines—The LEO in Summer—which can be found in our LEO Design on-line shop.
Lions have been used in heraldry for millennia. Different poses—called attitudes—would indicate different characteristics. The turn of the head, the lifting of a paw (or paws) were given different names. A Lion Rampant is one who is rearing-up, standing on his two back feet or one back foot. A Lion Sejant is seated, front paws together on the floor (like a house cat). A Lion Couchant is lying on his belly, head raised (like a sphinx).
Our cast bronze lion, shown above, was modeled in the American Midwest, thus, I'm not sure if heraldic conventions were being observed. If I were to take-a-stab at identifying his attitude, I would say Lion Statant Guardant Sinister (which means, a lion standing on four feet, looking at the viewer, standing facing left (that is, left to the shield bearer, had he been painted in heraldry on a shield). Whether our handsome lion is heraldically-compliant or not, he is beautifully sculpted—conveying the coiled tension, fierce demeanor and noble bearing of The King of the Jungle. Click on the photo above to learn more about him.
More Summer Lions tomorrow and in the days to come.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248