An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Fig. 425. Heraldic Lions.

Lion. In Heraldry, the lion couchant represents sovereignty; rampant, magnanimity; passant, resolution; guardant, prudence; saliant, valour; seiant, counsel; and regardant, circumspection. (See Leopard, Marzocco.)

Lioncel, Her. A lion drawn to a small scale, generally rampant.

Lions, in Christian art, typify the resurrection of the Redeemer; because, according to an oriental fable, the lion’s cub was born dead, and in three days its sire licked it into life. The lion also typifies solitude, and is therefore the attribute of hermits; and as the type of fortitude and resolution it was placed at the feet of martyrs.

Lip Moulding, Arch. So called from its resemblance to an overhanging lip. It is common in the Perpendicular period.

Liquid Madder Lake or Rubiate. A brilliant rose-coloured pigment, used in oil or water-colour painting.

Fig. 426. Liripipes. Italian, 16th century.

Liripipes, O. E. The long tails of hoods, which hung down the back. Worn also by the Italians. (Fig. [426].)