Hand-carved in Italy, this large limestone relief depicts the winged lion of St Mark, which is a symbol of the city of Venice and the region of Veneto as a whole. Hundreds, if not thousands, of winged lion sculptures and paintings can be found in this area, with quite a few available for viewing in Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square in English).

The depth of the carvings of the stone relief is quite impressive. Most of the sculpture has a thickness of two and a half inches, but notice how the right forepaw of the lion and the book that it rests upon jut out further, making those aspects viewable from the side. The book is open to reveal an inscription that reads Pax tibi Marce evangelista meus (“Peace to you, Mark, my evangelist”). Groupings of striations add texture to the back wall, drawing attention to the incredible details of the lion, such as the segmented feathers, luscious mane, and the huge forepaw. Supported by a two-inch-thick demi-lune-shaped plinth, the stone relief is capable of standing upright, allowing it to be used inside or outdoors.

CONDITION: Very good condition. Light rubs with moss/lichen accumulation, presenting mainly near the base. Limestone can change color with exposure to the elements. Please contact us for a photo of the current patina.