Medieval Bronze Lion Fitting

Carved naturalistically in the round as a mature male figure with short wavy hair, full beard and moustache, his brow furrowed and mouth held slightly ajar; repaired. 3.8 kg, 18 cm



Acquired in Europe before 1996. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11809-206816.

The head was carved as an image of a saint, Apostle or a prophet. The accomplished and sophisticated style of carving on this head can be compared to some of the most celebrated Romanesque buildings of Southern France. The carving of the head resembles the representations of heads and faces of 12th century French Romanesque art, for example those of Saint Trophime in Arles. This imposing head once served as an important architectural part of a lavishly decorated church, possibly in western France. Its form and the size suggest that the head was not only decorative but that it would have been structurally important – perhaps part of a row of statues of apostles and prophet like those depicted on the Saint Trophime façade.

Depicted standing on the back of a peacock with his right hand extended in a gesture of benediction, crozier in his left hand. 2.19 grams, 24 mm

Fine condition.

Found on the Thames foreshore at Chiswick, London, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.

The slender hoop expanding to carinated shoulders, elliptical bezel engraved with stylised foliage. 1.71 grams, 18.50 mm overall, 16.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.