Great Lion

Jacques de Gheyn II

c. 1590

Engraving printed in black ink on off-white antique laid paper

Fogg Museum

A noble lion is depicted reclining with a vigilant mind, ready for action. Latin inscription: Ad prosternendum, se docet esse feram. / En leo magnanimus, vigilanti mente recumbens, / verberet ut caudam, tollat ut ipse iubas. Nec fugiens, nec quem metuens, sed promptus et acer Translation: About to lie down, he teaches himself to be wild. Behold the noble lion, who is reclining, but his mind is still vigilant, as he lashes his tail and raises its mane. He does not run away, and is not afraid of anything, but sharp and ready. Daniel Margocsy 23 January 2009 Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Acquisition Fund for Prints