Late C19th Italian Carved Alabaster 'Grand Tour' Souvenir Sculpture, After the Antique , "The Medici Lion".

Late C19th Italian carved alabaster 'Grand Tour' souvenir sculpture, after the antique, "The Medici Lion". Well-executed carved alabaster model of good scale depicting the iconic Medici lion . The sculpture has striking black and grey veining to the stone , particularly to the head and mane areas of the lion. Mounted upon an integral canted-corner plinth base.

The lion is depicted with its paw raised upon a sphere or ball, the tail coiled beneath his hind quarters. The mouth of the beast is portrayed as half-open displaying the teeth , alluding to its ferocity .

Excellent attention to detail with well-carved mane and coat , with rib-cage definition and defined musculature expressing the power and majesty of the subject.

The Lion and his companion sculpture guard the entrance steps of the Loggia Dei Lanzi , Piazza della Signoria, Florence ,Italy. Previously sited at the 'Villa Medici' Rome from 1598 , until moved to their present site in 1789. Of the two , one lion being of ancient 2nd century origin , whilst the companion sculpture was carved in the C16th by Flaminio Vacca. This sculpture being a copy of Vacca's lion , with the ball under it's left front paw and modelled to 'sinister' .

A minor historic professionally repaired crack to one corner of the plinth base.

No chips , cracks, repairs or losses to the lion .

H 10"

W 14"

D 6"

Italy c. 1880

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

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Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:

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Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.