Marble lion
The sphinxes and other animals that guarded tombs in the archaic period tend to convey immobility and permanence. In classical lions, however, movement is implicit: they appear to be watching, lying in wait, preparing to spring. With the suggested potential for imminent motion comes a concomitant emphasis on the animals' strength and litheness. The lion here looks to his left, as we anticipate the movement of his muscles and of the tufts of his mane when he takes off after his prey.
Artwork Details
- Title: Marble lion
- Period: Late Classical
- Date: mid-4th century BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Marble, Pentelic
- Dimensions: Overall: 27 7/8 x 12 x 50 in. (70.8 x 30.5 x 127 cm)
- Classification: Stone Sculpture
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1909
- Object Number: 09.221.9
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Greek
late 6th century BCE
Greek
ca. 400–390 BCE
Greek, Attic
ca. 590–580 BCE
Greek
4th century BCE
Greek, Attic
ca. 350–325 BCE
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