Skip to product information
1 of 16

Stylobate Lions Italian Renaissance c.1460

SKU: FUG76

Regular price £14,000.00
Regular price Sale price £14,000.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Free UK Mainland Delivery

For all items we offer free UK Mainland Delivery to your door. We also provide a personalised delivery service for specific days and more complex deliveries or item placements. However, advanced arrangements are required, as additional costs may apply.

International Purchases

At check out select ‘Pick up’ (do not select 'Ship') to enable purchase then contact us direct for your shipping quote. Contact us for a quote

International shipping

International delivery, crating, shipping and insurance can be arranged and quoted for at your request. Additional costs will apply. Please contact us should you require our assistance with this service. Alternatively select ‘Pick up’ at checkout to collect the item yourself with your own Shipping Agent from our UK showroom. Contact us for a quote

An outstanding pair of recumbent ‘Stylobate lions’ c.1460 Italian Renaissance, attributed to Umbria, Northern Italy.

Created from carved walnut, with remnants of original polychrome and gilding. The walnut carving is exceptional and bold, particularly notable are their snarling mouths, hooked paws and flowing stylised manes. Their hind legs are tucked neatly along their bodies. The lions ribs are defined and rhythmically carved, their front paws are resting upon scrolled ends.

The form of the Stylobate lions as a style of column support are typical of church portals found throughout Italy in the late Romanesque period. These carved wooden works of art would have been carved as pedestals for columns (indicated by the series of deeply carved out circular spaced forms along the lions flat elongated backs) which would have supported an interior architectural structure, probably supported an interior smaller portal, an elevated window surround or a pulpit within a Noble families private chapel.

This genre of animated menacing lions were often used within churches with thought that they banished evil influences. They were also often used as markers of authority as Churches were used as courts of law, drawing links with King Solomon as a ruler of justice.

  • Width: 20 cm (7.87″)
  • Height: 38 cm (14.96″)
  • Depth: 94 cm (37.01″)