**First Time At Auction**

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A lovely water spout in the form of a lion's head carved from a stone of deep grey/black hues. It features a deeply incised mane, a wide open mouth that doubles as an opening for conveying water, bulging eyes, and a pointy nose. Size: 0.875" W x 1.1" H (2.2 cm x 2.8 cm); 2" H (5.1 cm) on included custom stand.

In the classical world, lions symbolized power, wealth, and might. They were famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most famous being that of Hercules (Greek Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion for his first labor. That lion's fur was believed to be impenetrable to attacks since according to legend it was made of gold and its claws were far sharper than swords with the power to slice through armor. In the end, Hercules defeated the lion by strangling it and wore its skin. Lions were also favorite iconography for buildings, coins, and statues in the ancient world.

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired 1980s

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#143710

A fragment of a larger composition. Chips to peripheries of mane and verso, with softening to some facial details, otherwise intact and very good. Nice surface smoothness across face.