Magnificent Pair of Early C19th Italian ‘Grand Tour’ Souvenir Carved White Statuary Marble Lions After Antonio Canova .

Magnificent pair of early C19th Italian ‘Grand Tour’ souvenir carved white statuary marble lions after Antonio Canova .

Finely carved pair of marble lions being reductions of the iconic Antonio Canova (1757-1822) originals sculpted for the monumental tomb of Pope Clement XIII in St.Peter’s Basilica , Vatican City , Rome , Italy in 1792 .

The originals were carved by Canova in travertine marble , whilst copies and reductions were carved from various stone and marble in the workshops of Rome during the nineteenth century , for sale as souvenirs to wealthy ‘Grand Tourists’ visiting the Eternal City .

Mounted on later sympathetic figured green marble substantial plinth block bases , the lions are each depicted lying as guardians , one sleeping , the other vigilant ; a detail said to reflect the late Pope’s qualities of moderation and vigilance respectively .

Skilfully and boldly carved with exceptional attention to detail to the manes and faces , being accurate representations of the originals . In excellent original condition , the well-chosen pure white statuary marble of the sculptures contrasting beautifully with the selected green marble of the plinths .

Examples can be found in the finest noble seats and country-house collections of the world , in particular a large pair of carved marble Canova lions can be seen in the sculpture gallery of Chatsworth House , Derbyshire , England .

* a pair of lions of similar scale sold Christie’s, London 29/1/2019 Sale No. 17300 Lot no.231 £7750

H (full) 8”

H (lions) 6.5”

W 10”

D 4”

Italy c.1840

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