An oversized pair of plaster lions after Antonio Canova, Italian, circa 1880, with original black finish and textured detailing.
Antonio Canova (1757-1822) was the greatest Italian neoclassical sculptor, and sculpted the marble lions for the monumental tomb of Pope Clement XIII in St. Peter’s, Rome from 1783 to 1792. They proved to be a popular image, copies were made soon after in the workshops of Rome to sell to wealthy ‘Grand Tourists’ as souvenirs from their classical tour. One lion is depicted sleeping, whilst the other is vigilant, said to represent the Pope’s moderation and vigilance. In England, Canova’s greatest patron was the 6th Duke of Devonshire whose seat was at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire.