1053 - Rat, Large Seated Lion on a Sphere, Bronze

Rat, Large Seated Lion on a Sphere, Bronze Large seated lion on a sphere, cast fully in the round in bronze and patinated. The lion is depicted sitting upright, with a raised head, open mouth, voluminous, sculpturally crafted mane, powerfully modeled chest, and tail resting against the side of the sphere. On the rear left edge of the bronze base is the incised artist's signature "Rat". Standing on a rectangular, black polished granite base. Age-appropriate good condition, even grey-black patina, occasional signs of weathering, the granite base with minimal edge chips. Lion 133 x 52 x 65 cm (HxWxD), granite base 23 x 63 x 60 cm (HxWxD), total height 156 cm. Seated lions on a sphere take up the classical guardian lion motif of European sculpture. In the 19th and early 20th centuries numerous variants were produced as bronzes for entrance halls, staircases and garden settings.