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ID #SA1082123
FOR SALE
£975
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A 19th Century Bronze 'Medici' Lion
For sale by Chequers Antiques
for sale €1,141     $1,238
£975
Chequers Antiques

Chequers Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2018
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Id #SA1082123
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A 19th Century Bronze 'Medici' Lion

19th century
Description

A mid 19th century bronze sculpture of a lion, probably after the Medici Lions, the beast with full mane and open mouth, his left front paw resting on a ball, standing on a socle textured to resemble cobbles , apparently unsigned, Italian or possibly French circa 1870.

Condition: Excellent, the piece is in very good condition with no damage or repairs, there does not appear to be a signature anywhere on the piece however it has a look that suggests that it could be taken from the Italian Early Renaissance, hence the attribution to the Medici Lions.

Physical Dimensions
Height
23cm (9.06")
Width
30cm (11.81")
Depth
10cm (3.94")
Declaration

Chequers Antiques has dated this Bronze Medici Lion Sculpture to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1082123
Description
A mid 19th century bronze sculpture of a lion, probably after the Medici Lions, the beast with full mane and open mouth, his left front paw resting on a ball, standing on a socle textured to resemble cobbles , apparently unsigned, Italian or possibly French circa 1870.
fig 1. A dark brown bronze sculpture of a lion standing on a rectangular base with one paw resting upon a sphere.
fig 1. A 19th Century Bronze 'Medici' Lion

Condition: Excellent, the piece is in very good condition with no damage or repairs, there does not appear to be a signature anywhere on the piece however it has a look that suggests that it could be taken from the Italian Early Renaissance, hence the attribution to the Medici Lions.

Height
23cm (9.06")
Width
30cm (11.81")
Depth
10cm (3.94")
Date of Manufacture

Chequers Antiques has dated this Bronze Medici Lion Sculpture to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1082123
Chequers Antiques
Chequers Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2018
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Chequers Antiques Profile Page

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A dark brown bronze sculpture of a lion standing on a rectangular base with one paw resting upon a sphere.
1 / 5
Archive I A dark brown bronze sculpture of a lion standing on a rectangular base with one paw resting upon a sphere.

A 19th Century Bronze 'Medici' Lion

Archive II A dark brown bronze sculpture of a lion standing on a rectangular base with one paw resting upon a sphere. View II
Archive III A dark brown bronze sculpture of a lion standing on a rectangular base with one paw resting upon a sphere. View III
Archive IV A dark brown bronze sculpture of a lion standing on a rectangular base with one paw resting upon a sphere. View IV
Archive V A dark brown bronze sculpture of a lion standing on a rectangular base with one paw resting upon a sphere. View V
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Chequers Antiques

Chequers Antiques
Telephone 07943 145714
Location
The Playhouse Gallery
Lombard Street
Petworth
West Sussex
GU28 0AG
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/chequersantiques
Verified Since Oct 2018
Items For Sale 138
Items Sold 358
Chequers Antiques
Chequers Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2018
View Dealer Info
Location: The Playhouse Gallery, Lombard Street, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0AG, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/chequersantiques
Verified
Oct 2018
For Sale
138
Sold
358
A dark brown bronze sculpture of a lion standing on a rectangular base with one paw resting upon a sphere.
A 19th Century Bronze 'Medici' Lion
Ref: SA1082123
A dark brown bronze sculpture of a lion standing on a rectangular base with one paw resting upon a sphere.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period19th century
  • StyleGrand Tour
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsLion with sphere, Rectangular plinth, Chased mane, Animalier pose
  • SizeH 23 cm (9 in) x W 30 cm (12 in) x D 10 cm (4 in)

This nineteenth-century Grand Tour animalier sculpture depicts a powerful lion after the Medici Lions, standing upon a rectangular plinth with a textured surface that resembles cobblestones. The piece is rendered in a dark brown bronze with a rich patina, capturing the beast in a dynamic pose with an open mouth, a deeply chased flowing mane, and its left front paw resting firmly upon a sphere. Visible details include the muscular form of the body, the intricate texture of the fur, and the clean architectural lines of the solid base. Measuring 23 cm high, 30 cm wide, and 10 cm deep, the sculpture is designed for display on a mantelpiece. It makes a fitting addition to a gentleman's library, a study, or a desktop, where it brings classic academic style to interior settings.

FAQs

The Medici lions are marble sculptures dating back to classical antiquity that were placed at the Villa Medici in Rome in 1598 before being relocated to the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence.

During the 19th century, bronze sculptures were primarily produced using the lost-wax casting or sand casting techniques, followed by hand-chasing to refine surface details and the application of a chemical patina.

Authentic period casts usually display hand-chased surface details, visible seam lines from multipart moulds, natural patination wear, and appropriate visual weight consistent with solid or heavy hollow bronze casting.

A classical bronze sculpture can be positioned on a mantelpiece, bookshelf, or side table to serve as a tactile focal point alongside contemporary art or clean-lined furniture.

Dust regularly with a soft dry cloth and apply a light coat of microcrystalline wax periodically to preserve the patina and prevent unwanted oxidisation.
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