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Lion, cast 1000–1100
Probably South Italy
Bronze (originally gilded and inlaid); Overall: 33 1/4 x 34 x 13 in. (84.5 x 86.4 x 33 cm)
Inscribed in Kufic, on the body: Divine grace, blessing, (good) health, well being, happiness, prosperity, honor, long life to its owner
Lent by the Mari-Cha Collection Ltd. (L.2000.84)

Known primarily from descriptions, few monumental bronze sculptures survive from the Middle Ages. This lion clearly displays indebtedness to several cultural and artistic traditions: Islamic, Byzantine and western. These were brought together in south Italy during the 1000s and the 1100s when the area was under Norman domination. The function of the sculpture is unclear. It could have been strictly ornamental or, perhaps, part of a fountain.

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    • Lion, cast 1000–1100
    Probably South Italy
    Bronze (originally gilded and inlaid); Overall: 33 1/4 x 34 x 13 in. (84.5 x 86.4 x 33 cm)
    Inscribed in Kufic, on the body: Divine grace, blessing, (good) health, well being, happiness, prosperity, honor, long life to its owner
    Lent by the Mari-Cha Collection Ltd. (L.2000.84)