A wonderfully detailed interpretation of the famous Canova lions, this pair of large limestone lions on pedestals have been affectionately called The Sleeping and The Vigilant. Both lions have flowing, wavy manes surrounding their highly expressive faces. Their tails are tucked under opposite sides of their powerful hindquarters (with the tail of “Vigilant” under the right leg, while “Sleeping” is under the left). Both of the lions’ heads are tilted to the right to varying degrees, resting above their forepaws, which have different orientations.

Each lion, which has been carved from one piece of stone, has a five-and-a-half-inch thick rectangular base. Beneath the plinth is a three-piece pedestal embellished with shallow rectangular carvings with canted corners and thick ogee moldings. The dark gray stones have developed areas of green, black, and light gray patination, making these perfect garden ornaments or statues flanking a driveway or walkway.

Antonio Canova was born in 1757 in the Venetian Republic of Possagno. Known as a Neoclassical sculptor, a vast majority of his works were rendered in marble. The original Sleeping and Vigilant Lions were completed in 1792 for the tomb of Pope Clement XIII at St Peter’s in Rome.

*For shipping and transportation purposes, the pedestals are comprised of three stones each. Each lion has been carved from a single block of stone. We have placed foam cushions between all of the pieces of stone for purposes of displaying at our store. These will not be used in an installation.*

CONDITION: Very good condition with minor nicks and rubs. Limestone is a natural material that can change color with exposure to the weather. Please contact us for photos of the current patina.