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A small-scale model of one of the 'Medici lions'
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Model of a lion. SM A52. ©Sir John Soane's Museum, London. Photo: Lewis Bush
A small-scale model of one of the 'Medici lions'
1790
Plaster painted in imitation of bronze
Museum number: A52
On display: Lobby to the Breakfast Room
All spaces are in No. 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields unless identified as in No. 12, Soane's first house.
For tours https://www.soane.org/your-visit
Curatorial note
The full-size, marble, Medici lions are first recorded a the Villa Medici in Rome in 1598 and have been in Florence, displayed in the Loggia dei Lanzi on the Piazza della Signoria, since 1789. The one with its right paw on a ball, facing left, is ancient Roman (but extensively reworked by a 16th century sculptor) whilst its pair was carved (from a large Roman capital) as a pendant to it by the sculptor Flaminio Vacca.
Soane's pair of small-scale plaster versions of these celebrated sculptures was amongst his first purchases, bought from the cast shop of John Flaxman senior in 1790 along with two vases (Soane Archive: Journal 1, 27 March and 2 April 1790) . All four items are shown on display in the Breakfast Room of Soane's first house at 12 Lincoln's Inn Fields in a view by J.M. Gandy of 1798.
The pair to this lion does not survive and has been replaced with a modern replica (SM X1336).
Soane's pair of small-scale plaster versions of these celebrated sculptures was amongst his first purchases, bought from the cast shop of John Flaxman senior in 1790 along with two vases (Soane Archive: Journal 1, 27 March and 2 April 1790) . All four items are shown on display in the Breakfast Room of Soane's first house at 12 Lincoln's Inn Fields in a view by J.M. Gandy of 1798.
The pair to this lion does not survive and has been replaced with a modern replica (SM X1336).
Associated items
14/6/1, depiction
Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk