Lot 20E
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. Large and well cast via the cire perdue process, this is a bronze door knocker depicting a lion's head in high relief. An orderly, curly mane surrounds the lion's snarling face, which includes intimidating teeth, huge canines, and a tongue. Incised lines create the illusion of fur on the piece. The lion was symbolic of power and ferocity, and would also have called to mind fierce gladiatorial fights. The artist who made the mold may have been inspired by lions at the Roman Forum or brought to their local amphitheater. A huge bronze ring through an iron hook at the top of the piece makes this knocker functional. This would have made a fearsome addition to any household. Size: 6.1" W x 6.7" H (15.5 cm x 17 cm); 10.4" H (26.4 cm) on included custom stand.
In the classical world, lions symbolized power, wealth, and might. They were famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most famous being that of Hercules (Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion for his first labor. That lion's fur was believed to be impenetrable to attacks since according to legend it was made of gold and its claws were far sharper than swords with the power to slice through armor. In the end, Hercules defeated the lion by strangling it and wore its skin.
Lions were also favorite iconography for buildings, coins, and statues. Examples include the Lion Gate to the Citadel of Mycenae, the Terrace of the Lions on the island of Delos, and the lion hunt mosaic from Pella featuring Alexander engaged in a lion hunt. Of course lions were also used in the Roman arenas where they would fight other animals, such as tigers and bears.
In Byzantium, the lion was a symbol of wisdom, royalty, power, and leadership. As for its possible Christian context, the lion sometimes represented Jesus Christ in the Byzantine Era, and the winged lion was generally regarded as a symbol for St. John the Evangelist.
Provenance: private Florida, USA collection, acquired at Sothebys, June 2002, lot 253
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#132041
- Condition: Iron ring has been stabilized, due to the heavily oxidized patina. Lion himself is in very nice condition, with great visible detail.
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