Grand Tour Venitian Lion
About: This remarkable c.1830 Grand Tour period piece is a richly detailed cast iron sculpture after Venice’s famous and iconic winged lion.
The Lion of Venice came to symbolize the city after the sculpture’s arrival in the Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) in the 12th Century
This casting’s design differs mildly from the St. Marks lion of today, with the unknown artist taking liberties in the lion’s form while retaining notable details of the original monument: paws squarely flattened upon a book with dentil molding beneath. The book page is finely cast with the word “Venezia”.
Additionally each side of the Lion’s mounted plinth are finely detailed in script with the words, “St Girogio" "La Piazzetta" "La Eccd" "Riva du Siluavio”
The medium of cast iron perhaps denotes the fact that, although fine in its detailing, this piece was meant as a tourist souvenir, sold to Grand Tourists: upper-class young European men of sufficient means and rank to undertake such an endeavor.
Why We Love It: So finely detailed in an unexpected medium of cast iron. Casting something THIS detailed in iron requires great knowledge and constant care & maintenance of the molds. On top of that, the symbology and time period references a very romantic period. A diminutive piece with exceptional presence.
Condition: Excellent with honest patina. Very well cared-for its entire life. Without breaks or repairs.
Dims: 5 .38" L x 2.25” W x 3.5" H
Location: Philadelphia, PA
About: This remarkable c.1830 Grand Tour period piece is a richly detailed cast iron sculpture after Venice’s famous and iconic winged lion.
The Lion of Venice came to symbolize the city after the sculpture’s arrival in the Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) in the 12th Century
This casting’s design differs mildly from the St. Marks lion of today, with the unknown artist taking liberties in the lion’s form while retaining notable details of the original monument: paws squarely flattened upon a book with dentil molding beneath. The book page is finely cast with the word “Venezia”.
Additionally each side of the Lion’s mounted plinth are finely detailed in script with the words, “St Girogio" "La Piazzetta" "La Eccd" "Riva du Siluavio”
The medium of cast iron perhaps denotes the fact that, although fine in its detailing, this piece was meant as a tourist souvenir, sold to Grand Tourists: upper-class young European men of sufficient means and rank to undertake such an endeavor.
Why We Love It: So finely detailed in an unexpected medium of cast iron. Casting something THIS detailed in iron requires great knowledge and constant care & maintenance of the molds. On top of that, the symbology and time period references a very romantic period. A diminutive piece with exceptional presence.
Condition: Excellent with honest patina. Very well cared-for its entire life. Without breaks or repairs.
Dims: 5 .38" L x 2.25” W x 3.5" H
Location: Philadelphia, PA
About: This remarkable c.1830 Grand Tour period piece is a richly detailed cast iron sculpture after Venice’s famous and iconic winged lion.
The Lion of Venice came to symbolize the city after the sculpture’s arrival in the Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) in the 12th Century
This casting’s design differs mildly from the St. Marks lion of today, with the unknown artist taking liberties in the lion’s form while retaining notable details of the original monument: paws squarely flattened upon a book with dentil molding beneath. The book page is finely cast with the word “Venezia”.
Additionally each side of the Lion’s mounted plinth are finely detailed in script with the words, “St Girogio" "La Piazzetta" "La Eccd" "Riva du Siluavio”
The medium of cast iron perhaps denotes the fact that, although fine in its detailing, this piece was meant as a tourist souvenir, sold to Grand Tourists: upper-class young European men of sufficient means and rank to undertake such an endeavor.
Why We Love It: So finely detailed in an unexpected medium of cast iron. Casting something THIS detailed in iron requires great knowledge and constant care & maintenance of the molds. On top of that, the symbology and time period references a very romantic period. A diminutive piece with exceptional presence.
Condition: Excellent with honest patina. Very well cared-for its entire life. Without breaks or repairs.
Dims: 5 .38" L x 2.25” W x 3.5" H
Location: Philadelphia, PA