Two Cast Plaster Models of Lions; After Antonio Canova (1757-1822)

SOLD
Origin: English
Period: Late 20thC
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1995
One: 12” x 5.25” x 4.25”
Two: 13.75” x 6” x 5.25”

After Antonio Canova (1757 - 1822), the well-proportioned and crisply cast plaster models of recumbent lions, both sleeping, one finished in terracotta and raised on a serpentine marble plinth, the other in plain plaster, and both surviving from the late twentieth century.
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The sculptures have no major flaws and no cracks or restoration present.

These lions were originally sculpted by Antonio Canova (Italian, 1757-1822) as a pair in a larger scale for the tomb of Pope Clement XIII in St. Peter's Basilica. As a pair the sleeping lion is symbolic of the Pope's moderation; and the vigilant lion, represents his energetic work. Here we have two sleeping examples.

Great value pieces for the mantlepiece.
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