Pair of stylophorous lions in yellow Verona marble, Northern Italy, 16th-17th century
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Description
Two sculptures depicting crouching lions. On the backs of the lions are holes, from which the columns rose. This type of sculpture, typical of medieval architecture, appears as a stylophorous lion, which was used in the porticoes and pulpits of early Christian and Romanesque churches to support the columns, but also as a spiritual symbol with a message of protection. In fact, in medieval bestiaries, the lion was seen as a guardian, as it was believed to sleep with its eyes open, thus representing an apotropaic figure against evil.
Dimensions
HxWxD 34.5cm x 57cm x 20.5cm
Provenance
Private collection
Conditions
Missing parts and defects. Breakages. Restorations.
