Crouching lion
Statuette
1690-1700 (made)
1690-1700 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Mother-of-pearl, jet coral and amber were selected by craftsmen for their beauty, durability and rarity. These materials often occurred in a particular geographical region. Coral for example was prevalent in Sicily and amber along the Baltic coast. Many of the religious items were portable, as were the small portraits. They were often made locally and then taken elsewhere. Pilgrims from all over Europe bought the jet images made in Santiago de Compostela.
This is carved from a relatively large lump of amber. Carved lions on post-classical European ambers are rare.
This is carved from a relatively large lump of amber. Carved lions on post-classical European ambers are rare.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Title | Crouching lion (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Amber |
Brief description | Satuette, amber, crouching lion, probably made in Danzig (modern Gdańsk), Royal Prussia, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, ca. 1690-1700 |
Physical description | The lion is shown with its head between the two front paws, the body is twisted, and the left rear is underneath the stomach, with the paw seen on the right side of the body. Front paws, rear right paw and nose damaged. |
Dimensions |
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Credit line | Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh, FSA |
Object history | Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A. |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | Mother-of-pearl, jet coral and amber were selected by craftsmen for their beauty, durability and rarity. These materials often occurred in a particular geographical region. Coral for example was prevalent in Sicily and amber along the Baltic coast. Many of the religious items were portable, as were the small portraits. They were often made locally and then taken elsewhere. Pilgrims from all over Europe bought the jet images made in Santiago de Compostela. This is carved from a relatively large lump of amber. Carved lions on post-classical European ambers are rare. |
Bibliographic reference | Trusted, Marjorie. Catalogue of European Ambers in the Victoria and Albert Museum. London : Victoria and Albert Museum, 1985, cat. no. 14 |
Collection | |
Accession number | A.10-1950 |
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Record created | March 15, 2005 |
Record URL |
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