Description:

Ancient Rome, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A bronze lion's paw with four delineated toes/claws and a tripartite attachment above, cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process. The foot was probably intended as an ornament and/or support for a piece of furniture such as a three-legged table or a candelabrum. Interestingly, this piece still has some old hardware in the perforations of the attachment. So finely modeled with a beautiful green patina! Comes with lucite stand. Size: 3.375" W at widest point x 3.125" H (8.6 cm x 7.9 cm)

Though this lion's paw most likely came from a courageous lion, it conjures wonderful visions of the beloved Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz: "Put 'em up, put 'em up! Which one of you first? I'll fight you both together if you want. I'll fight you with one paw tied behind my back. I'll fight you standing on one foot. I'll fight you with my eyes closed... ohh, pullin' an axe on me, eh? Sneaking up on me, eh? Why, I'll... Ruff!"

Provenance: private Florida USA collection

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#124815

  • Condition: Gorgeous green patina. A few old nicks to the attachment above and back of the foot, but the piece is in overall excellent condition.

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July 20, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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