C. 1815, Bronze, Grand Tour, Medici Lion on Marble Base (Italian).
 
This sculpture depicts a standing male lion looking to one side with a sphere or ball under one paw, raised on a stepped rectangular bronze and marble base.
 
The Medici Lion is based on an original statue which dates to the Second Century, and after restoration by Flaminio Vacca was displayed with a copy at the Villa Medici, Rome. After 1798 the lions were displayed at the Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence and copies became popular souvenirs for travellers on the Grand Tour.
 
CONDITION:
 
Wear commensurate with age. Excellent patina.