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ID #SA1224765
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Antique Mid 19th C Grand Tour Medici Lion Sculpture on Marble Plinth
Robert Belcher Antiques
for sale €1,632     $1,772
£1,395
Robert Belcher Antiques

Robert Belcher Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2017
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    Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.
Id #SA1224765
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Antique Mid 19th C Grand Tour Medici Lion Sculpture on Marble Plinth

19th century
Description

A superb and impressively sized mid 19th century classical Medici Lion, expertly cast in solid plaster and meticulously hand finished with a rich bronze effect patina. Beautifully detailed throughout, this striking sculpture captures the power and elegance of one of antiquity's most celebrated artistic motifs.

The lion is securely mounted on an elegant stepped white and black figured marble plinth, creating a refined contrast that enhances its commanding presence. Produced during the Victorian era, it was intentionally crafted to emulate the appearance of an expensive bronze sculpture, offering the same classical grandeur at a more accessible cost.

Pieces such as this would have graced the interiors of substantial country houses and distinguished collections, displayed among fine works of art where their convincing bronze finish blended seamlessly with more costly originals.

Today, this rare survivor presents an exceptional opportunity to acquire an impressive 19th century Grand Tour-inspired classical sculpture that delivers remarkable decorative impact without the premium associated with cast bronze.

A timeless statement piece for a library, entrance hall, drawing room, or study, it embodies the enduring appeal of classical design and Victorian craftsmanship.

English, circa 1850

Dimensions:

• Height: 36 cm (14.2 in)

• Width: 52 cm (20.5 in)

• Depth: 19 cm (7.5 in)

Physical Dimensions
Height
36cm (14.17")
Width
52cm (20.47")
Depth
19cm (7.48")
Declaration

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this Grand Tour Medici Lion to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1224765
Dealers Notes

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

Instagram: robertbelcherantiques

Description
A superb and impressively sized mid 19th century classical Medici Lion, expertly cast in solid plaster and meticulously hand finished with a rich bronze effect patina.
Beautifully detailed throughout, this striking sculpture captures the power and elegance of one of antiquity's most celebrated artistic motifs.
Robert Belcher Antiques
fig 1. A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth.
fig 1. Antique Mid 19th C Grand Tour Medici Lion Sculpture on Marble Plinth

The lion is securely mounted on an elegant stepped white and black figured marble plinth, creating a refined contrast that enhances its commanding presence. Produced during the Victorian era, it was intentionally crafted to emulate the appearance of an expensive bronze sculpture, offering the same classical grandeur at a more accessible cost.

fig 2. A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth.
fig 2. Antique Mid 19th C Grand Tour Medici Lion Sculpture on Marble Plinth

Pieces such as this would have graced the interiors of substantial country houses and distinguished collections, displayed among fine works of art where their convincing bronze finish blended seamlessly with more costly originals.

fig 3. A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth.
fig 3. Antique Mid 19th C Grand Tour Medici Lion Sculpture on Marble Plinth

Today, this rare survivor presents an exceptional opportunity to acquire an impressive 19th century Grand Tour-inspired classical sculpture that delivers remarkable decorative impact without the premium associated with cast bronze.

fig 4. A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth.
fig 4. Antique Mid 19th C Grand Tour Medici Lion Sculpture on Marble Plinth

A timeless statement piece for a library, entrance hall, drawing room, or study, it embodies the enduring appeal of classical design and Victorian craftsmanship.

English, circa 1850

Dimensions:

• Height: 36 cm (14.2 in)

• Width: 52 cm (20.5 in)

• Depth: 19 cm (7.5 in)

Height
36cm (14.17")
Width
52cm (20.47")
Depth
19cm (7.48")
Date of Manufacture

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this Grand Tour Medici Lion to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1224765
Robert Belcher Antiques
Robert Belcher Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2017

Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

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

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A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth.
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Archive I A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth.

Antique Mid 19th C Grand Tour Medici Lion Sculpture on Marble Plinth

Archive II A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View II
Archive III A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View III
Archive IV A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View IV
Archive V A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View V
Archive VI A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View VI
Archive VII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View VII
Archive VIII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View VIII
Archive IX A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View IX
Archive X A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View X
Archive XI A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View XI
Archive XII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View XII
Archive XIII A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View XIII
Archive XIV A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth. View XIV
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Location
Worcestershire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Verified Since Jul 2017
Items For Sale 406
Items Sold 667
Robert Belcher Antiques
Robert Belcher Antiques
Verified Since Jul 2017
View Dealer Info
Location: Worcestershire, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Verified
Jul 2017
For Sale
406
Sold
667
A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth.
Antique Mid 19th C Grand Tour Medici Lion sculpture on marble plinth
Ref: SA1224765
A dark patinated bronze sculpture of a lion resting its paw on a sphere, mounted on a two-tier marble plinth.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

A Medici Lion sculpture is a depiction of a male lion resting one paw on a sphere, derived from the pair of marble sculptures positioned at the Villa Medici in Rome before their relocation to Florence. During the 18th and 19th centuries, travellers on the Grand Tour acquired scaled bronze replicas of these statues as educational mementos.

Grand Tour sculptures were predominantly cast in bronze using lost-wax or sand-casting techniques, finished with a dark patinated surface. These bronze figures were commonly mounted onto structured bases made of marble, porphyry, or granite.

Authentic 19th-century bronzes demonstrate crisp hand-chasing on high-relief areas such as the mane and facial features, along with natural patina variation from handling over time. The undersides typically reveal original iron or brass threaded fixings securing the bronze to the marble plinth.

Position the piece as an accent on a mantelpiece, sideboard, or bookshelf to introduce historical texture. The dark bronze and clean lines of the marble plinth complement contemporary minimalist spaces as well as traditional library settings.

Dust the surface regularly with a soft dry brush or microfibre cloth, keeping chemical cleansers away from the original patina. Apply a thin coat of microcrystalline wax annually to protect the bronze, and wipe the marble base with a slightly damp cloth before drying immediately.
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