A LARGE ROMAN BRONZE LION PROTOME

CIRCA LATE 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.

Details

A LARGE ROMAN BRONZE LION PROTOME
CIRCA LATE 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
Superbly cast with the head turned sharply to its left, the forepaws splayed, the rich full mane a mass of overlapping wavy locks, the lion's mouth open wide revealing rows of sharp teeth, the muzzle naturalistically rendered, the deep-set lidded eyes beneath the modelled ridged brows, an open rectangular mortise at the back with two bolt-holes on either side for attachment to a pole or beam, the upper surface with a small rectangular walled fitting
17½ in. (44.4 cm.) long

Provenance

European Private Collection, 1970s.
European Art Market, early 1990s.
Anonymous sale; Christie's, New York, 18 December 1998, lot 129.

Lot Essay

The sharp left turn of the lion's head suggests that it was once paired with an antithetical counterpart. Such a pair of heavy bronze lions may have been attached to the cat-head of a ship, which is a curved timber projecting from each bow for securing an anchor. Although it is possible that this piece could have ornamented a chariot or piece of furniture, the great size and weight advocates more strongly in favor for use on a ship.

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