Italian, Venice
Post with Lion and Shield, 15th century
Istrian Stone, 153.7 x 21 x 22.2 cm (60 1/2 x 8 1/4 x 8 3/4 in.)
A statue of a lion supported on a pedestal that is at least three times taller than the statue itself. The lion is resting its right paw, to our left, on a stone shield that is decorated with a carved cross. The lion’s head is tilted up and backward, with its mouth semi-open in a growl or roar. Its curly mane extends around its head and down its chest.
Courtyard
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.