Giovanni Rizzardi

one inscribed: G.R. (for Giovanni Rizzardi) and each inscribed in black paint: WA/11763/A/2

with Philippe Murat-David, Paris, December 1980

The surfaces are intentionally distressed throughout to make the lions look as if they were Medieval. As such, there are abrasions, chips, pits and losses to the surfaces. There are particular areas of abrasions at the foreheads, chins and tails. There are larger losses to each of the corners and further losses to the sides of the marbles and to the tip of the tail to the lion with his head turned to his right. There are areas of discolouration to both marbles, in particular to the back and face of the lion whose head is turned to his proper right side. There is naturally occurring veining to the marbles. There is surface dirt to both marbles.
"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."

Lions such as these flank the portals of Italian Romanesque churches. The unusual facial types and the lack of a function (they frequently supported columns) indicate that these are later revivals. This pair were, in fact, carved by a sculptor named Giovanni Rizzardi, who was active in Verona in the 1970's and 1980's. He was responsible for four arcuated lintels in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which were, until recently, believed to date to the 8th or 9th centuries (Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Soultanian, op. cit., no. 59). Another pair of similar lions by Rizzardi were sold at Christie's London on 11 November 2004, lot 28.

RELATED LITERATURE
L. Castelnuovo-Tedesco and J. Soultanian, Italian Medieval Sculpture in The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Cloisters, New Haven and Yale, no. 59