C19th pair of monumental Medici lions

C19th pair of monumental Medici lions

Code: R0372

Dimensions:

H: 37" (94 cm)W: 46" (116.8 cm)D: 17.5" (44.5 cm)

£16,500.00 Approx $20833.33, €19298.25, £16500

A magnificent C19th pair of carved, Medici lions, of monumental proportions; deeply carved in solid pine, depicting the famous Medici lions, standing proudly with one front paw raised on sphere; with flowing manes and open mouths each looking to opposing sides.  Raised on a rectangular oak plinths, with a moulded edge, painted to simulate marble in dark red with ochre veining.  The lions have acquired an excellent rich colour and good patination.

The Medici lions are a pair of marble sculptures of lions, one of which is Roman, dating to the 2nd century AD, and the other a 16th-century pendant; by 1598 both were  placed at the Villa Medici, Rome. Since 1789 they have been displayed at the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. The sculptures depict standing male lions with a sphere or ball under one paw, looking to the side. The Medici lions have been copied, with varying degrees of exactness, in many other locations.

Excellent condition
Italian circa 1840
Dimensions (ins) 46 wide x 37 high x 17.5 deep