In the English-speaking world, the lion is the king of beasts. Lion culture occupies an important position in the culture of the Western world. The image of a lion is on the British national emblem, the back of the coin, the coat of arms of the British royal family, and the flag.

Lion-shaped sculpture is one of the common themes in western architectural decoration sculpture. It has a very important symbolic significance in the long cultural accumulation of the West. The oldest lion image appears in the art works of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Persia.

When it first appeared, it was associated with the worship of the sun god. It is the symbolic guardian of temples, palaces, and tombs. Its kingly demeanor and ferocious nature prevent evil forces from approaching. From 334 BC to 30 BC, the city of Alexandria, located in Egypt, was in the period of Greek culture. It was the center of cultural exchange at that time, and Greek culture spread to medieval Europe through this. In medieval European animal fables, the lion symbolizes resurrection.

In Christian art, the lion symbolizes the “lion of the tribe of Judah” and the roaring Satan. In the language of the Renaissance, it also symbolizes the virtues of perseverance and courage.

The religious and cultural connotation contained in the image of the lion also connects it with some historical allusions in western cities. The winged lion, that is, a lion with wings, is one of the animal images in "Revelation". The four animal images of eagle, man, bull and lion symbolize the four gospel messengers John, Matthew, Luke and Mark.

The winged lion was originally the mount of the gospel messenger Marco. According to legend, the remains of Marco were buried in Venice, so the winged lion became the protector of the city. The city logo of Venice also used the image of a winged lion holding the "Gospel of Mark". .

At the southern end of Plazza and Piazzetta San Marco, facing the Adriatic Sea, there are two pillars, one of which stands on top of an imposing winged lion. The top of the flagpole in the main square, the main facade of St. Mark's Church, the bell tower of the bell tower, and the wall of the bell tower all have the image of a winged lion. There are also a total of 14 winged lion statues guarding the square. The Piazza San Marco and the winged lion form an image connection, reflecting the unique historical and cultural personality of the city.