After Antonio Canova (1757 – 1822), the well-proportioned and crisply cast plaster models of recumbent lions, both sleeping, one finished in terracotta and raised on a serpentine marble plinth, the other in plain plaster, and both surviving from the late twentieth century.
Unknown.
These lions were originally sculpted by Antonio Canova (Italian, 1757-1822) as a pair in a larger scale for the tomb of Pope Clement XIII in St. Peter’s Basilica. As a pair the sleeping lion is symbolic of the Pope’s moderation; and the vigilant lion, represents his energetic work. Here we have two sleeping examples.
Great value pieces for the mantlepiece.
Wear only.
By appointment only.
