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ID #SA1243241
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£450
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C. 1880, Pair of Alabaster Lions - After Antonio Canova (Italian)
For sale by White Space Antiques
for sale €527     $572
£450
White Space Antiques

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C. 1880, Pair of Alabaster Lions - After Antonio Canova (Italian)

19th century
Description

C. 1880, Pair of Alabaster Lions - After Antonio Canova (Italian).

Pair of Grand Tour carved alabaster sleeping lions after the originals by Antonio Canova (1757-1822) for the tomb of Pope Clement XIII, St.Peter's Bascilia, Rome 1792.

** These are original examples not later copies.

CONDITION:

No major cracks or chips. Ever so small groove made with grinder (as shown) where it looks like it was likely being removed from its original fixing. Stunning antique patina.

PROVENANCE:

Purchased from the private collection of a well travelled family in Germany.

Date of Manufacture

White Space Antiques has dated these Carved Alabaster Lion Sculptures to the 1880s.

Independent Date Check ID 09702687
Dealer's Item Date1880s
Sellingantiques Date1880s
Sellingantiques agingItem 115-160 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 1880s:
Hand-carved translucent alabaster with undercut manes: Italian workshop sculpture.
Accumulated dark grime in the recesses: long-term natural oxidisation and handling.
Adhesive residue along the base: indicates removal from earlier plinths.
Sculptural models after Antonio Canova's 1792 originals: classic Grand Tour souvenirs.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Physical Dimensions
Width
29cm (11.42")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1243241
Description
C. 1880, Pair of Alabaster Lions - After Antonio Canova (Italian).
“
Pair of Grand Tour carved alabaster sleeping lions after the originals by Antonio Canova (1757-1822) for the tomb of Pope Clement XIII, St.
White Space Antiques

Peter's Bascilia, Rome 1792.

fig 1. A pair of carved off-white alabaster recumbent lions resting on rectangular plinths, crafted after Antonio Canovas original designs.
fig 1. C. 1880, Pair of Alabaster Lions - After Antonio Canova (Italian)

These are original examples not later copies.

CONDITION:

No major cracks or chips. Ever so small groove made with grinder (as shown) where it looks like it was likely being removed from its original fixing. Stunning antique patina.

PROVENANCE:

Purchased from the private collection of a well travelled family in Germany.

Date of Manufacture

White Space Antiques has dated these Carved Alabaster Lion Sculptures to the 1880s.

Independent Date Report ID 09702687
Dealer's Item Date1880s
Sellingantiques dating1880s
Sellingantiques agingItem 115-160 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the 1880s:
Hand-carved translucent alabaster with undercut manes: Italian workshop sculpture.
Accumulated dark grime in the recesses: long-term natural oxidisation and handling.
Adhesive residue along the base: indicates removal from earlier plinths.
Sculptural models after Antonio Canova's 1792 originals: classic Grand Tour souvenirs.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Width
29cm (11.42")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1243241
White Space Antiques
White Space Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2026

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Dealer Profile

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A pair of carved off-white alabaster recumbent lions resting on rectangular plinths, crafted after Antonio Canovas original designs.
1 / 3
Archive I A pair of carved off-white alabaster recumbent lions resting on rectangular plinths, crafted after Antonio Canovas original designs.

C. 1880, Pair of Alabaster Lions - After Antonio Canova (Italian)

Archive II A pair of carved off-white alabaster recumbent lions resting on rectangular plinths, crafted after Antonio Canovas original designs. View II
Archive III A pair of carved off-white alabaster recumbent lions resting on rectangular plinths, crafted after Antonio Canovas original designs. View III
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Telephone 07760 835542
Location
Westbury
Wiltshire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Verified Since Feb 2026
Items For Sale 80
Items Sold 4
White Space Antiques
White Space Antiques
Verified Since Feb 2026
View Dealer Info
Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Verified
Feb 2026
For Sale
80
Sold
4
A pair of carved off-white alabaster recumbent lions resting on rectangular plinths, crafted after Antonio Canovas original designs.
C. 1880, Pair of Alabaster Lions - After Antonio Canova (Italian)
Ref: SA1243241
A pair of carved off-white alabaster recumbent lions resting on rectangular plinths, crafted after Antonio Canovas original designs.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period19th century
  • StyleNeoclassical
  • MaterialAlabaster
  • ColourOff-White
  • MotifsRecumbent pose, Heavy mane, Rectangular plinth, Canova lion design
  • SizeW 29 cm (11 in) x D 14 cm (6 in)

Antonio Canova sculpted the iconic sleeping and vigilant lions in 1792 for the tomb of Pope Clement XIII in Saint Peters Basilica, Rome. Throughout the nineteenth century, these figures became celebrated symbols of Neoclassical art and were frequently reproduced in marble and alabaster for Grand Tour travellers.

Artisans hand-carved alabaster using chisels, rasps, and fine polishers to achieve detailed anatomical features and smooth surfaces. Alabaster was favoured for decorative statuary due to its soft mineral composition, translucency, and close resemblance to fine marble.

Authentic nineteenth-century alabaster pieces display natural surface patina, minor veining, and crisp tool marks from hand carving rather than uniform moulding lines. Aged alabaster often exhibits subtle discolouration or surface wear consistent with historical display.

Place carved alabaster lions on a dark wood mantelpiece, library bookshelf, or console table to create strong visual contrast. Displaying them atop a stack of art books or alongside metallic accents enhances a refined, curated aesthetic.

Dust alabaster sculptures regularly with a clean, dry microfibre cloth or soft brush. Avoid using water, liquid detergents, or chemical solvents, as alabaster is a porous stone that easily absorbs moisture and discolours.
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