Click photo for larger view. ©2015, David A. Porter

For millennia, lions have been used by sculptors to portray strength (king of the beasts).  And, as we can see in this sculpture adorning the Obélisque d’Arles in Arles, France, this mighty beast can simultaneously portray a sense of gentleness as well.

Our Viking River Cruises guide told us that this obelisk was first erected under the Roman Emperor Constantine II in the 4th century, and that it is smack dab in the center of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in Arles, France.

I’ll circle back around and tell you more about the historic sites in Arles (there’s a LOT of ’em), but for now, I hope you enjoy this stately creature as much as I did.  He’s been sitting there guarding the area since he was sculpted by Antoine Laurent Dantan in the 19th century.
 
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