A Continental bronze model of a lion, in the manner of one o...

Estimate

£100 - £200

A Continental bronze model of a lion, in the manner of one of the Medici Lions, probably 17th /18th century; naturalistically portrayed, its left forepaw raised and resting on a sphere; a raised and previously threaded socket cast at the top of its back; on a rectangular base; 12cm high, 22.5cm long overall Note: the use of lions as supports for pillars (stylobates) is a Romanesque and early Mediaeval motif usually seen in ecclesiastical contexts, and stemming from ancient examples -cf for example a pair in Cremona's duomo. This present example is enigmatic though, in that the form of the famed Medici Lion with one paw raised, whilst based on a Roman relief which Ferdinando I de' Medici had recarved in the round, dates to late in the Renaissance -long after the vogue for stylobate lions.