A PAIR OF SCULPTED LIMESTONE MODELS OF SLEEPING LIONS, MID 20TH CENTURY, LOOSELY AFTER THE MANNER OF ANTONIO CANOVA (VENETIAN 1757-1822)

Reference: ART4002246

Each typically portrayed with forepaw resting above the other, and with eyes closed, on integrally carved rectangular socles.
Each 78 cm. high. Atop later associated rectangular section plinths, each 70 cm. high, 160 cm. long, 60 cm. wide, 148 cm. high overall.

On his death in 1769 Pope Clement XIII was laid to rest in the Vatican, but Senator Abbondio Rezzonico (the nephew of the late pontiff) commissioned Canova to create a more fitting tomb for him in St Peter’s. The work which includes Canova’s lions in marble was completed in 1792, when the late pope’s remains were removed to the new tomb.