Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 3rd to 5th century CE. A fabulous pair of cast-bronze door knockers, each depicting a highly stylized lion head of a circular form. Each leonine countenance presents with bulging ovoid eyes, a rounded nose flanked by puffy jowls, a flared mane that thins out towards the edges to form the knockers' peripheries, and a gaping maw in which an iron suspension loop and accompanying iron ring knocker are mounted. Each knocker is covered in thick, encrusted layers of brown and green patina that further accentuate their ancient beauty. Lions in the ancient world were symbolic of power and ferocity, and would have also called to mind fierce gladiatorial fights. The artist who made the mold most likely was inspired by lions at the Roman Forum or in an amphitheater local to their area. Size of each (both are relatively similar): 10.625" W x 10.75" H (27 cm x 27.3 cm); 14.5" H (36.8 cm) with iron ring knocker.

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 (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. Examples include the Lion Gate to the Citadel of Mycenae, the Terrace of the Lions on the island of Delos, and the lion hunt mosaic from Pella featuring Alexander engaged in a lion hunt. Of course lions were also used in the Roman arenas where they would fight other animals, such as tigers and bears.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA; ex private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired from Phoenicia Holyland Antiques, before 2010

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#164999

Repairs and minor restoration to peripheries, with iron door knockers reattached within each mouth, and resurfacing to new material and break lines. Age-commensurate oxidation to iron components, with heavy encrustations to knocker bodies and versos, softening to some finer details, and possible repatination to one knocker. Great patina throughout.