CA0235 Rare Grand Tour Capitoline Lion fountain head

Very attractive late 19th century Grand Tour lightly patinated bronze model of the Capitoline Lion, after the antique. Brought to Rome during the reign of Domitian the Egyptian lions were placed at the base of the steps leading up to the Piazza del Campidoglio (Capitoline Square) in 1562 and later converted to fountains in 1588. This rare example is depicted with the fountain spout in the mouth of the lion as the original. Presented on a later green marble block base. Italy, probably Rome, circa 1870.

H 10.5cm x W 21cm x D 9.5cm