Description

C19th Italian Venetian bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir sculpture of the Lion of St. Mark .
Well-cast miniature bronze reduction of the Lion of St.Mark representing the evangelist St.Mark , portrayed as a winged lion holding a bible. The lion is the symbol of the city of Venice and formerly of the Republic of Venice. The original ancient full-size winged lion sculpture is situated atop one of the twin marble columns at the entrance of the Piazzetta di San Marco adjacent to Piazza San Marco , Venice. Placed there in the 12th century , it was temporarily removed by Napoleon in 1797 and taken to Paris as to underscore his conquest of the Venetian Empire.
Venetian tradition is that St.Mark arrived at the Venetian lagoon whilst travelling through Europe , when an angel appeared to him and told him that here was where his body would rest. St. Mark represented as a lion is a typical Christian iconography.
In excellent condition ,with good consistent dark patination.
H 3"
W 7"(inc. tail)
D 2.5"
Italy, Venice c.1870
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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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.
Internal Ref: ML 1611