1975.41.97: Head of a Lion

Identification and Creation

Object Number

1975.41.97

Title

Head of a Lion

Classification

Architectural Elements

Work Type

architectural element

Date

6th Century

Places

Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Africa, Egypt (Ancient)

Period

Byzantine period

Culture

Coptic

Persistent Link

https://hvrd.art/o/288628

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Limestone

Technique

Carved

Dimensions

19 x 24 x 19 cm (7 1/2 x 9 7/16 x 7 1/2 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History

Unknown, formerly of the Kevorkian Collection.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of The Hagop Kevorkian Foundation in memory of Hagop Kevorkian

Accession Year

1975

Object Number

1975.41.97

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Descriptions

Description

Head of a lion resting on its front paws, sculpted in the round. Blocky head with what remains of the eyes high above the bulging cheeks. Long, bulbous nose with nostrils at lower tip. The mouth is broad and projects from the face below the nose, giving the appearance of full, fleshy lips. Pointy, flat tongue protrudes from slightly open mouth. Teeth are short and squared. Underside of cheeks rest on flipper-like paws. Stylized mane rendered in horizontal segments, which are separated from each other by deep ridges.

Upper portion of head is heavily chipped. Stone is deteriorating. Traces of plaster coating and paint pigment remain.

Verification Level