img139 Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a figure clad in elaborate armor standing adjacent to a large lion. The composition is framed by a textured background suggesting foliage or dense vegetation, rendered with fine parallel lines that create a sense of depth and visual complexity.
Here we see the armored individual as female, indicated by the delicate features of her face and the style of her headdress, which combines elements of military adornment with what appears to be floral decoration. Her posture is one of quiet confidence; she leans slightly on a weapon – likely a spear or lance – held in her right hand, while her left arm rests gently against the lion’s head. The armor itself is highly detailed, showcasing intricate patterns and embellishments that suggest both status and skill in craftsmanship.
The lion dominates the right side of the image. Its mane is rendered with an abundance of swirling lines, conveying a sense of wildness and power. The animals gaze is directed downwards, seemingly calm and accepting of the woman’s presence. There is a palpable sense of symbiosis between the two figures; they are not engaged in conflict but rather exist in a state of peaceful coexistence.
The subtexts within this drawing appear to explore themes of strength, protection, and perhaps even dominion over nature. The lion, traditionally a symbol of courage and royalty, is presented as subservient to the female figure, suggesting a reversal or reinterpretation of conventional power dynamics. The armor signifies preparedness and defense, while the floral elements in her headdress introduce an element of grace and femininity.
The artist’s use of line work creates a dramatic interplay between light and shadow, enhancing the figures three-dimensionality and contributing to the overall sense of narrative tension. The drawing evokes a feeling of mythic storytelling – a moment captured from a larger tale involving bravery, loyalty, and an unusual alliance between human and beast.