A pair of Empire patinated bronze lions, first quarter 19th century

on a gilt-bronze base, one stand in veined marble, the other in black marble

Related literature:

J.-P. Samoyault, Pendules et bronzes d'ameublement entrés sous le Premier Empire, Paris, 1989, p. 255, cat. no. 254 ;

Ottomeyer, P. Pröschel et al., Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, vol. I, figs. 5.4.6. and 5.4.5.

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. Good overall condition, but both tails are missing. There are some minute surface scratches to the bronzes. There are some minor chips to the marble bases. Beautiful objects testifying to the taste for Antiquity at the beginning of the 19th century.
"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 attractive pair of patinated bronze lions is after the Egyptian black basalt statues of two recumbent lions adorning the railings of the steps leading to the Capitoline Hill, Rome. In France, around 1805-10, bronze variations of this model were made amongst others by Antoine-André Ravrio and Claude Galle. In particular, the figures on a fender by the latter bronzier at Versailles, Grand Trianon (inv. no. T 55C) present striking resemblances with the present pair.