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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1977.216.3190
Title
Crouching Lion
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture
Date
n.d.
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia?
Culture
Unidentified culture
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304102

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Mixed copper alloy
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
overall: 2.5 x 7.6 x 0.7 cm (1 x 3 x 1/4 in.)
bronze component: 2.3 x 7.3 x 0.4 cm (7/8 x 2 7/8 x 3/16 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: XRF data from Tracer
Alloy: Mixed Copper Alloy
Alloying Elements: copper, tin, zinc
Other Elements: lead, iron, silver, antimony
Comments: The mount for the object is iron.
K. Eremin, January 2014

Technical Observations: The patina is dark brown with some very fine tan accretions on one side; these seem to be mostly blanched wax with some grains of sand. A fine, light blue layer covers much of the surface on one side only and appears to be a corrosion product associated with the waxy remains. A few small scratches reveal a metallic surface. There is no visible deep corrosion on the copper alloy piece.

The cast copper alloy animal is mounted to a piece of flattened, curved iron rod with iron pins; the iron rod and pins are rusting. A well-defined fine ridge that runs along the copper alloy base between the front and hind paws and all around the silhouette of the animal is a seam line resulting from the use of a two-piece mold. Whether the line relates to casting the wax model or the finished piece is unclear. Some very fine bubble-shaped accretions on the sides of the figure would have resulted from the use of a plaster-based mold to produce either the wax model or the metal cast. The details of the figure are very simplified and rounded with little definition, which suggests that there was little cold working.


Francesca G. Bewer (submitted 2012)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Henry W. Haynes collection, Boston, MA, (by 1912), bequest; to the Harvard University Department of Classics, (1912-1977), transferred; to Fogg Art Museum, 1977.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, Bequest of Henry W. Haynes, 1912
Accession Year
1977
Object Number
1977.216.3190
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
The thin plaque, modeled on both sides, represents a crouched animal, with forepaws extended and hindquarters raised. Its tail is pressed onto its back, ending in a small curl. Curved ears, small circular eyes, and an open mouth are represented. Raised arcs on the neck and upper forelimbs indicate shaggy hair, perhaps a lion’s mane. The paws are integral with the thin curving metal strip that is riveted to another larger strip. The undersides of both the plaque and the iron strip appear to be flat and featureless.

Lisa M. Anderson

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu