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Medici Lion, Tuscany 18th-19th century
From the archaeological model; bronze with transparent golden patina. 14 x 21 x 9 cm (small bronze), 23.5 x 26 x 14 cm (with base)
The "Medici Lion" is an archaeological sculpture originally placed in Rome in the gardens of Villa Medici.
The "Medici Lion" is an archaeological sculpture originally placed in Rome in the gardens of Villa Medici.
The sculptor Flaminio Vacca was commissioned to create a pendant towards the end of the 16th century. Currently, both sculptures are positioned on the sides of the steps of the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. Going up the short steps of the Loggia, the lion on the right is the archaeological one, while the one on the left is visibly signed by Flaminio Vacca.
The bronze statuette presented here refers to the sculpture on the right, the archaeological one, but it is not a slavish derivation as it maintains its original stylistic character.
Grand Tour copies of both subjects are easily found on the antique market. This little lion stands out for its beautiful chiselled finish and patina which, in my opinion, bring it closer to Tuscan products from the neoclassical era, if not earlier.
Bibl. Charles Avery- Michael Hall, Giambologna, exhibition catalogue of the collection of Michael Hall, Somogy Editions, Paris, 1999, pp. 160-161.
€ 1.500,00 / 3.000,00
Estimate
1.000,00 €
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Live auction 329
Placquettes, Medals, Sculptures and Ceramics from the 14th to the 19th century
Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli, wed 5 March 2025
SINGLE SESSION 05/03/2025 Hours 15:00