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Lion
Italic, Etruscan
Archaic Period
about 570 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Nenfro
Dimensions
Height x depth: 45 x 50 cm (17 11/16 x 19 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Francis Warden Fund
Accession Number61.131
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 390; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 116 (additional published references).
DescriptionThe lion was seated, in an alert, frontal position. Loss of curled wings, forelegs, and lower hindquarters give him an unusual appearance. He is characterized by open mouth, large upper and lower teeth, fleshy jaws with wrinkles above, and a large tongue, which lolls down as far as the chest. There are traces of red paint on this tongue, suggesting the coloristic possibilities of the animal in antiquity.
The ends of the wings, much of the back, and most of the legs and haunches are missing. The remainder is dented here and there, and has the usual irregular surface.
The ends of the wings, much of the back, and most of the legs and haunches are missing. The remainder is dented here and there, and has the usual irregular surface.
ProvenanceBy 1960: with Hesperia Art, 2219 St. James Place, Philadelphia 3, Pa. (said to come from the necropolis at Vulci); February 8, 1961: purchased by MFA from Hesperia Art for $ 25,000.00 (this is the total price of 61.130 and 61.131)