Italian, Southern Italy
Animal Base, 13th century
Marble, 48.3 x 87.6 x 41.9 cm (19 x 34 1/2 x 16 1/2 in.)
The marble creature is sculpted in-the-round. It is seen standing on its short legs, with its head turned slightly to our right. Its eyes are deeply carved circles, denoting large irises and small pupils, which confer it a gentle character. Its snout is very short and flat, with no mouth visible, making its head appear like that of a turtle. Its short legs end with thick toes and nails. A column is supported on its back.
Spanish Cloister
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.