Author or Workshop:
Venetian sculptor
Characteristics:
Venice, 1750 circa. Carved and painted pine
Dimensions:
Height 27 cm - Width 40 cm - Depth 10 cm
Provenance:
Private colletion, Venice, Italy
Bibliography:
Clara Santini, Mille mobili Veneti. L’arredo domestico in Veneto dal sec. XV al Sec. XIX, Volume I-II-III, Modena 2002
Their representation is a bit unusual from the winged lion of Venice (symbol of the city). They were made by a real sculptor who modeled the various parts of lion on wooden pine with skill and ability. The mane (crest) is beautifully resolved with shots and nervous gouge that gives a regal character at the sculptures. The lions are represented in their full strength; long-limbed, they seems like walking with the opened mouth that lets us a glimpse the tongue and the teeth. The lac is extremelly realistic: yellow ocher, typical of the Venetian lacquer is embellished by various shades of eyes and white teeth and red palate, which differs from the pinkish color of the tongue.
The ‘humanoid’ character help us to appreciate the beauty of the venetian sculptures.
