Rampant lion. Florentine art, 16th-17th century. Bronze, transparent reddish patina. On a green marble base decorated with a high relief depicting the Rape of the Sabine Women.

33.5 x 30 x 13.5 cm

This powerful casting depicts a standing lion, with its left paw raised ready to strike.

It may distantly recall models present in Florence under the Loggia, the archaeological one called "Medici", and the one created in the Renaissance as a pendant by Flaminio Vacca.

Even a whole series of mighty lions born from the imagination of Giambologna, and from his prolific workshop, could be the archetypes of this great feline.

However, it differs from these models in its raised paw, ready to strike, and in the sudden movement of its head, which seems to suddenly notice us.

On the base is a high relief depicting the Rape of the Sabine Women, based on Giambologna's model.

This element, combined with the powerful modelling and the precious transparent patina, lead us to a Florentine production, undoubtedly of great quality, dating back to the 16th-17th century.