Roman Bronze Lion Protome, ex-Lord Swansea, ex-Bonhams
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A handsome protome cast from solid bronze depicting a leaping lion with a wavy mane framing his expressive roaring visage. Note how the sculptor captured the potential motion of this wild feline; his head juts forward and his front legs stretch outward as if jumping towards the viewer. What's more, the details of the mane and face are beautifully rendered, suggesting that the maker was familiar with the animals - perhaps having seen them at their local circus or gladiator battle. Size: 2.625" L x 2.375" W x 3.375" H (6.7 cm x 6 cm x 8.6 cm)
In the classical world, lions symbolized power, wealth, and might. They were famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most famous being that of Hercules (Greek Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion for his first labor. That lion's fur was believed to be impenetrable to attacks since according to legend it was made of gold and its claws were far sharper than swords with the power to slice through armor. In the end, Hercules defeated the lion by strangling it and wore its skin.
Lions were also favorite iconography for buildings, coins, and statues in the ancient world. Examples include the Lion Gate to the Citadel of Mycenae, the Terrace of the Lions on the island of Delos, and the lion hunt mosaic from Pella featuring Alexander engaged in a lion hunt.
Provenance: private Florida, USA collection, Ex: Henry Vivian collection, aka Lord Swansea (1821 - 1894), Purchased at Bonham's Knightsbridge April 1999, Lot 257
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.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#142126 Dimensions: Condition Report: Left forepaw missing. Losses to rear legs as shown. Beautiful, deep green and turquoise patina over most of the surface. Excellent preservation of details.
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Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A handsome protome cast from solid bronze depicting a leaping lion with a wavy mane framing his expressive roaring visage. Note how the sculptor captured the potential motion of this wild feline; his head juts forward and his front legs stretch outward as if jumping towards the viewer. What's more, the details of the mane and face are beautifully rendered, suggesting that the maker was familiar with the animals - perhaps having seen them at their local circus or gladiator battle. Size: 2.625" L x 2.375" W x 3.375" H (6.7 cm x 6 cm x 8.6 cm)
In the classical world, lions symbolized power, wealth, and might. They were famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most famous being that of Hercules (Greek Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion for his first labor. That lion's fur was believed to be impenetrable to attacks since according to legend it was made of gold and its claws were far sharper than swords with the power to slice through armor. In the end, Hercules defeated the lion by strangling it and wore its skin.
Lions were also favorite iconography for buildings, coins, and statues in the ancient world. Examples include the Lion Gate to the Citadel of Mycenae, the Terrace of the Lions on the island of Delos, and the lion hunt mosaic from Pella featuring Alexander engaged in a lion hunt.
Provenance: private Florida, USA collection, Ex: Henry Vivian collection, aka Lord Swansea (1821 - 1894), Purchased at Bonham's Knightsbridge April 1999, Lot 257
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.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#142126 Dimensions: Condition Report: Left forepaw missing. Losses to rear legs as shown. Beautiful, deep green and turquoise patina over most of the surface. Excellent preservation of details.
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Time, Location
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