An in-the-round white stone carving of a lion, which includes a cubic base, rests on a bench made from a larger, grey stone. The lion sits tall and erect on its haunches with its head lifted proudly. Its closed mouth and snout are presented to the viewer. Its expression appears pensive rather than frightening. Its majestic, wavy mane flows around and covers its entire upper body. Its four thick, strong limbs are crowded close together. Its forelimbs appear like straight, parallel, vertical columns while its shorter, bent hindlimbs are aligned behind them. There is a large, pear-shaped, indistinct object resting between the lion’s forelegs, but it is so worn or damaged that it is impossible to define. The face of the lion’s base has been carved to look like a pedestal with two rows of small square stones under a single rectangular capstone.
Italian
Lion,
19th century
Stone
,
33.3 x 12.7 x 10.2 cm (13 1/8 x 5 x 4 in.)
Object details
Accession number
S5s42.1
Primary Creator
Italian
Full title
Lion
Creation Date
19th century
Provenance
Probably purchased by Isabella Stewart Gardner in Venice in 1897.
This and a second lion (museum no. S5s42.2) form a set. This or another set of small stone lions (museum nos. S5s32.1-2) was purchased by Isabella Stewart Gardner from the marble dealer and mason Moisé Dalla Torre, Venice for a total of about 56 lire on 16 September 1897.
Dimensions
33.3 x 12.7 x 10.2 cm (13 1/8 x 5 x 4 in.)
Display Media
Stone
Web Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.
Permanent Gallery Location
Courtyard
Bibliography
Cornelius C. Vermeule III et al. Sculpture in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Boston, 1977), p. 179, no. 265. (as Italian, 19th century)
Rights and reproductions
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Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.