Rosanne
I have read on other threads the disturbing idea that the Strength card shows abuse and even in cards today that a Lion chained is somehow unpleasant.
I want you to consider another aspect of this card that disputes the Nemean Lion legend and Samson and Hercules.
Here is a picture of the front porch of the Ferrara Cathedral.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/En_5Dl_ZPsFPk5uO-7qmLg
Note the way the lion looks to his right at the Doorway to the Cathedral as well as the figure above him does too. A lion is supposed to sleep with his eyes open, therefore symbolically it depicts vigilance, spiritual watchfulness and strength. Like Saint Mark whose icon is the Lion- the Sentinel (who maybe Saint Mark) supports the pillars of the Church.
Now go to the site Trionfi http://trionfi.com/i/11/
and click on the Essay of Ross Caldwell ( and other essays)
and I think the Visconti Sforza PMB card shows exactly what the Lions all around Lombardy show....The symbolic role as Guardian of the Door.
If you mentally draw a line from the eyes of Sforza and the eyes of the Lion, you will see they are acting as Guardians against all comers. There is no apparent intent to fight the lion.
On the Cary Yale Visconti there is the Queen type holding the mouth of the lion. I propose that this image is Felicitas, Roman goddess of good luck, success and Happiness. She was often shown as subduing the Male Lion- sitting on his back - lying on him. She became the special protector of successful commanders. The emperors made her prominent as symbolizing the blessings of the imperial regime. So Christianized, Felicitus became the Maternal Virgin Mary- protector of the City.
~Rosanne
I want you to consider another aspect of this card that disputes the Nemean Lion legend and Samson and Hercules.
Here is a picture of the front porch of the Ferrara Cathedral.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/En_5Dl_ZPsFPk5uO-7qmLg
Note the way the lion looks to his right at the Doorway to the Cathedral as well as the figure above him does too. A lion is supposed to sleep with his eyes open, therefore symbolically it depicts vigilance, spiritual watchfulness and strength. Like Saint Mark whose icon is the Lion- the Sentinel (who maybe Saint Mark) supports the pillars of the Church.
Now go to the site Trionfi http://trionfi.com/i/11/
and click on the Essay of Ross Caldwell ( and other essays)
and I think the Visconti Sforza PMB card shows exactly what the Lions all around Lombardy show....The symbolic role as Guardian of the Door.
If you mentally draw a line from the eyes of Sforza and the eyes of the Lion, you will see they are acting as Guardians against all comers. There is no apparent intent to fight the lion.
On the Cary Yale Visconti there is the Queen type holding the mouth of the lion. I propose that this image is Felicitas, Roman goddess of good luck, success and Happiness. She was often shown as subduing the Male Lion- sitting on his back - lying on him. She became the special protector of successful commanders. The emperors made her prominent as symbolizing the blessings of the imperial regime. So Christianized, Felicitus became the Maternal Virgin Mary- protector of the City.
~Rosanne