After the Antique Italian, probably Rome, late 18th century

Overall the condition of the marble is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The left corner of the terrasse below the orb is detached and there are some small losses. There is veining to the marble throughout, consistent with the material, including some stable slightly open veins. There is a larger open vein in the lion's chest at the underside. The veining is a deep brown/orange in areas. Part of the lion's proper left front paw and the corner of the terrasse below the proper left back leg are carved separately. A triangular section of the mane on the proper right side of the lion's back is carved separately. There are a few small chips, including to the mane and to the edges of the terrasse. There is a larger chip to the front edge of the terrasse below the tail. There is a composite plug in the orb.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This noble marble lion ultimately derives from the famous antique Medici Lion from the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. Discovered outside the Porta S. Lorenzo in Rome, this ancient marble was subsequently transferred to the Villa Medici, and a pendant lion was commissioned from Flaminio Vacca (1538-1605). In 1789 the pair was transported to Florence, where they have remained ever since. The Medici Lions were often copied, most notably by Augustin Pajou (1730-1809) who replaced the original lions at the Villa Medici in Rome. With his wonderful Baroque mane composed of deeply drilled curling tufts, and his stylised facial features, the present lion is reminiscent of the terracotta Seated Lion attributed to Giovanni Battista Foggini (1652-1725), which was sold in these rooms on 8 July 2011, lot 75.

The lion is distinguished by the veined yellow cream marble used, which lends to it an air of antiquity. The choice of marble would indicate a Roman origin for the sculpture, as it appears to reference sculptures in the famous Sala degli Animali in the Vatican, notably the Giaguaro, a yellow alabaster leopard inset with black marble spots, which is thought to be the work of Francesco Antonio Franzoni (1734-1818) dating to 1795 (Vatican inv. no. 383). The Sala degli Animali was commissioned by Pius VI (1717-1799), who wished to created a zoo of marble, filling his gallery with antique and later representations of wild beats. Many of the sculptures were either restored or conceived by Franzoni. A pair of yellow marble leopards with black marble intarsia spots in the Honolulu Museum of Art are similarly attributed to Franzoni (inv. no. 3240.1 and 3241.1). These dramatic beasts form another comparison for the present marble.