Statuette of a Seated Lion

Sitting and snarling with his ears laid back, this small, solid cast bronze lion is alert and threatening. The slight turn of his head and the coiled tail contribute an aspect of tension to the pose, while the slightly open mouth and deep, wide-set eyes give the head a menacing expression. The stylized, flamelike locks of the mane and symmetrical whiskers on the muzzle reflect the ornamental patterns typical of Greek art in the Archaic period (about 700–480 B.C.), while the elongated, muscular body and threatening visage reflect the artist’s developing interest in a more naturalistic depiction of the creature, suggesting a date in the early 5th century B.C.

This imposing, beautifully executed statuette could easily have functioned as an independent work, but was intended to serve a decorative purpose. Holes through both front paws, and the left rear paw indicate that it was once fastened to the rim of a large bronze tripod or open vessel. Metalworkers frequently ornamented bronze vessels, utensils, and armor with cast and embossed figures and reliefs. These miniature works were often superbly crafted, displaying complex poses and finely rendered details. The lion's large size and the careful rendering of details such as the mane and the whiskers testify to the imposing appearance of the original vessel.