Rare Etruscan Bronze Boss Lion w/ Ring in Mouth

**Originally Listed At $5000**

Northern Italy, Etruscan, ca. 6th to 5th century BCE. Finely cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) technique, a leaded bronze boss adorned with a leonine visage in repousse with a ring in its mouth. The lion presents with large, almond-shaped eyes, a prominent nose, cup-shaped ears, a mouth that is delineated with revealed teeth, fangs, and tongue, a separately cast ring fitted through either side of the lion's mouth, and a finely delineated wavy mane. Framing the wild feline is a raised rope-patterned border followed by a register of equidistantly placed ribs in bas relief, and finally, a rounded edge. A stupendous example with well-preserved details. Size: 8.125" W x 8" H (20.6 cm x 20.3 cm); 8.125" H (20.6 cm) on included custom stand.

This piece was collected by Paul Suttman, acquired by Suttman in the 1960's when he lived in Italy as a fellow of the American Academy of Rome. A three time recipient of the prestigious Prix de Rome, Paul Suttman (1933-1993) was an internationally known American sculptor who produced many impressionistic figurative works in bronze. Mr. Suttman's work is represented in the Museum of Modern Art, the Morgan Library, the University of Michigan Museum of Art, and the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C. More information on Suttman can be found in his New York Times obituary.

Provenance: ex-Paul Suttman collection, acquired in Italy in the 1960s; acquired from the Suttman estate in the 1990s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#162622
Condition Report: Expected surface wear commensurate with age, though details are well preserved. Some tears/losses to outer register/border as shown. Ring is intact and still articulates. Small losses in vicinity of mouth. Surface has developed a gorgeous green patina with some encrusted areas. Scattered earthen deposits on verso.