Last Lion

A note from Michael Parkes—This is a sculpture of one of my most well known images. Because so many people were enamored with the image, I thought it would make an interesting and powerful sculpture. The message is the same as the painting’s message: After millions of years the king of beasts exists, but only a few remain. It is said that each animal species has a protective guardian. Here she is, the deva of lions, the one who has for so long nurtured them as they grew into their stature of grandeur. What do those angel-protectors do when the last of their species is gone? What must she feel? Simply put, this is my commentary on what we as humans are doing to our earth and its inhabitants.