head of a lion

head of a lion , 1100s

Where object was made: present-day France or Italy

Material/technique: limestone

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 23.2 x 12.1 x 17.4 cm
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 9 1/8 x 4 3/4 x 6 7/8 in
Weight (Weight): 28 lbs

Credit line: Museum purchase

Accession number: 1959.0047

Not on display

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Empire of Things

This limestone head of a lion from the early 12th century portrays the king of beasts in an unusual manner. The lion depicted here has a flat countenance, bulging eyes, and an open mouth exposing square teeth not sharp enough to be treacherous. Artists portraying animals in Europe during this time period were unlikely to have seen lions in the flesh. Models would have included sculptures carved in antiquity and decorative objects imported from the East incorporating stylized lions as design motifs. Illustrated bestiaries (medieval guides about animals) especially influenced the lion imagery increasingly used in church architecture. Lion-like behaviors emphasized in the bestiary include the lion’s tendency to sleep with his eyes open; this detail connects lion imagery to God imagery from Song of Songs: “I am asleep and my heart is awake.” This lion’s head was probably created to adorn an architectural façade, hence the un-carved back of the sculpture.