Pair of 19th century Canova- lions
These lions were originally sculpted by Antonio Canova (1757-1822) for the tomb of pope Clement XIII in St. Peter's Basilica, between 1783 and 1792. The sleeping lion pictured on the right is symbolic of the pope's moderation; the vigilant lion pictured on the left represents his energetic work.
Dimensions: 117 cm x 60 cm x +/- 60 cm hoog
Condition: General good condition
Reference: DVC032009/76
Literature:
Antonio Canova (1757-1822)Antonio Canova was a Venetian sculptor famous for his marble sculptures of nudes, delicately detailed and classically refined. Canova is the quintessential Neoclassical sculptor; his work marked a return to the classical order following the grandiose theatrics of the Baroque movement.Among Canova s greatest sculptures were the tombs for two popes, Clement XIII and Clement XIV, the former flanked by Canova s Grand Lions. Canova s sculpture of Cupid and Psyche, however, was the sculpture most admired by his contemporaries along with his other sculptures depicting the mythological.