The lion that roars

This tapestry depicts what would be considered an “exotic scene” to the Western imagination, with a lion, palm trees, and pyramids evocative of Egypt. Many Westerners saw Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania as remote, mysterious, and tropical locales, and associated them with dramatic scenes of people being eaten by beasts. The allure of these places came from the sense of geographic adventure, exploration, and potential conquest. 

Typically, women were charged with creating such tapestries. Tapestries of this type would likely be found mounted on the wall over a daybed.