To shed light on the various values of the lion in medieval representations and to assure us of the author's intentions, the inscriptions that often accompany them are valuable. Its representations refer either to the Old Testament - a negative image with Samson, David and Daniel - or to the resurrected Christ; it has a positive value inspired by the Physiologus, the basis of medieval bestiaries. It can have a purely decorative function or a Christological meaning, first and foremost that of the Resurrection, as the inscriptions most often confirm.

Language: French

ISSN: 0065-0536