This limestone wall plaque was hand-carved in Italy. The central figure is a rampant and langued lion surrounded by oval molding. In heraldry, a lion is said to have a rampant attitude (Old French for “rearing up”) when the animal is depicted in profile with its forepaws raised. Langued simply means the tongue is visible, as our lion has a long, exposed tongue that extends above its head. The oval that surrounds the lion has a faintly patterned background.

On the outside of the plaque are a series of carved scrolls. The topmost scroll is larger than the four scrolls on the sides (there are two on each side). Each of the scrolls are rolled towards the front and embellished by fluting. The base has a volute scroll rolled in the opposite direction: towards the back. It is adorned with a shaped panel that has undulating lines in the background. Near the top, on each side of the plaque, there is a rectangular protuberance with a fluted panel.

The scrolls increase the depth of the plaque, giving it a unique shape. Our limestone wall plaque with rampant lion and carved scrolls would make a wonderful accessory anywhere in the home. It can be mounted to an exterior wall or displayed on a stand indoors.

CONDITION: Good condition with very minor rubs. Surface color variation due to weathering. Natural product.