Spanish, 14th century

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. There is dirt and wear consistent with age. There are several losses, particularly to the heads and paws of the lions and the corners of the stone. There is a paint spill on the top edge of the stone, mainly at the back.
"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."

These lions probably adorned the border of a monument. The form is typical of depictions of the animal from the twelfth to the fourteenth centuries in Southern Europe. In style these lions can be compared to a number of Italian stone lions carved as supports for lintels and columns in architectural schemes, two of which, dating to the 12^th century, are in the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, Connecticut. One of the present lions holds a coat of arms - probably those of Pacheco of Castile.

RELATED LITERATURE
W. Cahn and L. Seidel, Romanesque Sculpture in American Collections, New York, 1979, vol. 1, pp. 25-6, nos. 9-10