Pair of Late 19th-Century Bronze Recumbent Lions on Red Marble Bases - 6"

This expressive pair of small bronze recumbent lions likely dates from the late 19th century and is mounted on rectangular bases of richly veined red marble. Both animals are modeled in a reclining pose, with finely worked manes, paws and muscular bodies, and a dark brown patina with warmer bronze highlights on the more exposed areas, where years of handling and gentle rubbing have softened the surface. Conceived as a symmetrical pair, they are not exact duplicates: subtle differences in the angle of the heads, placement of the paws and anatomical details give each lion its own character and reward close viewing. 

The pair belongs to the tradition of 19th-century European bronze animalier, when carefully observed animal subjects became increasingly popular as decorative sculpture. Their compact scale and reassuring weight make them well suited for use as bookends in a library or study, as individual paperweights, or simply displayed together on a mantel or console. The combination of finely modeled bronze and warm red marble gives them a distinguished presence, softened by the ease of their relaxed poses.