A pair of carved stone Stylobate Lions

13th/ 14th century

13th/ 14th century
Each carved with flowing manes holding heraldic shields carved with a double-headed eagle, the other with a lozenge chequer board design, seated on plinths, restorations 23cm wide, 49cm deep, 56cm high (9in wide, 19in deep, 22in high) (2)

Lions were commonly used in 13th and 14th century architecture, particularly to support columns such as this pair, which would have originally had columns attached to their backs and probably flanked a small doorway. Lions symbolised strength, making their use even more appropriate in supporting architectural features. Comparable stone Stylobate Lions can be found in public collections across the world including The Metropolitan Museum, number 53.64.2.