Getty Museum

Statuette of a Lion

Date

50 B.C.–A.D. 100

Medium

Bronze with silver inlay

Culture

Roman

Department

Sculpture

Institution

Getty Museum

A lion stands with his paw raised, striking out at some unseen opponent. The unknown artist of this statuette has taken great care to emphasize the power and ferocity of the beast. The animal's tapering waist accentuates his massive chest. The deep, tufted mane frames the lion's face and extends down the front of his chest and over the shoulders. The lion's tail loops up and then merges with the back of his right rear leg, frozen as it lashes back and forth. One can imagine roars and snarls coming from the lion's open mouth, and his eyes are inlaid with silver, which emphasizes his fearsome gaze. In its role as king of the beasts, the lion has long symbolized power and strength in ancient art. The Romans added to this their fascination with lions as part of the wild beast spectacles staged in the amphitheater. This statuette of a lion standing atop a shallow, stepped rectangular base may have served as a dedication to the gods or as an ornamental item in a wealthy home.

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