A Marble Water Spout in the form of a Lion's Head, Southern Italy, 11th Century

in the form of a lion's head, deeply carved, mouth formed as a spout

overall in good condition. some minor abrasions to the extremeties, due to age and ex-location, as viewed.
"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."

One of the most celebrated elements in the decoration of the great Norman monuments of Sicily was the use of water, either gushing from fountains or cooling and consoling with an unhurried burble through a series of rills and pools. The significance of lion-head fountains is indicated by the depiction of a fountainhead of this form issuing water onto a waterslide in the painted ceiling of the Capella Palatina. The present example makes an interesting comparison with the cast bronze door knocker in the David Collection, Copenhagen (see, von Folsach 2001, p.297, no.458).