Head of a Lion
Architectural ElementsCoptic6th century

Head of a Lion

6th Century

Description

Head of a lion resting on its front paws, sculpted in the round. Blocky head with what remains of the eyes high above the bulging cheeks. Long, bulbous nose with nostrils at lower tip. The mouth is broad and projects from the face below the nose, giving the appearance of full, fleshy lips. Pointy, flat tongue protrudes from slightly open mouth. Teeth are short and squared. Underside of cheeks rest on flipper-like paws. Stylized mane rendered in horizontal segments, which are separated from each other by deep ridges. Upper portion of head is heavily chipped. Stone is deteriorating. Traces of plaster coating and paint pigment remain.

Classification
Architectural Elements
Technique
Carved
Medium
Limestone
Culture
Coptic
Period
Byzantine period
Century
6th century
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Department
Department of Ancient and Byzantine Art & Numismatics

Dimensions

19 x 24 x 19 cm (7 1/2 x 9 7/16 x 7 1/2 in.)

Provenance

Unknown, formerly of the Kevorkian Collection.

Related Artworks

View More
Square Tile with a geometric pattern of split-leaf arabesques issuing from a central rosette
Architectural Elements
Square Tile with a geometric pattern of split-leaf arabesques issuing from a central rosette
Unknown Artist, c. 1560

Fritware

16th centuryOttoman
Section of an Architectural Frieze
Architectural Elements
Section of an Architectural Frieze
Unknown Artist, 6th Century

Limestone

6th centuryCoptic
Transenna Relief with Animal Motif in Eight Compartments
Architectural Elements
Transenna Relief with Animal Motif in Eight Compartments
Unidentified Artist, 19th-20th century

Stone

19th-20th centuryItalian
Two Fragments of a Semi-Cylindrical Eaves-End Roof Tile with Steeply Canted, Elliptical End Panel with a Lightly Recessed Medallion Featuring Abstract Decor, the Semi-Cylindrical Tile's Exterior Surface with a Stamped Pattern of Concentric Arcs
Architectural Elements
Two Fragments of a Semi-Cylindrical Eaves-End Roof Tile with Steeply Canted, Elliptical End Panel with a Lightly Recessed Medallion Featuring Abstract Decor, the Semi-Cylindrical Tile's Exterior Surface with a Stamped Pattern of Concentric Arcs
Unknown Artist, 1392 - 1910

Light gray earthenware with mold-impressed decoration

Korean
Ceramic Plaque with mihrab motif framed by inscription in relief
Architectural Elements
Ceramic Plaque with mihrab motif framed by inscription in relief
Unknown Artist, 13th century

Turquoise glazed fritware

13th centuryPersian
Pilaster Capital
Architectural Elements
Pilaster Capital
Unknown Artist, 5th-6th Century

Limestone

5th-6th centuryCoptic
Fragment of Marble Column
Architectural Elements
Fragment of Marble Column
Unknown Artist
Greek
Architectural Element with Blackberries and Foliate Design
Architectural Elements
Architectural Element with Blackberries and Foliate Design
Unidentified Artist, 15th century

Limestone, pelsparite

15th centuryFrench
Capital with Foliate Design
Architectural Elements
Capital with Foliate Design
Unidentified Artist, 12th-15th century

Stone, gilded and polychromed

12th-15th centuryEuropean
Compound Foliated Console
Architectural Elements
Compound Foliated Console
Unidentified Artist, 15th century

Limestone, pelsparite

15th centuryFrench
Semi-Cylindrical Eaves-End Roof Tile with Turquoise Glaze
Architectural Elements
Semi-Cylindrical Eaves-End Roof Tile with Turquoise Glaze
Unknown Artist, 1392 - 1910

Buff earthenware with lead-fluxed, turquoise glaze

Korean
Star Tile with Vegetal Motifs and Inscription
Architectural Elements
Star Tile with Vegetal Motifs and Inscription
Unknown Artist, 1261-1262

Composite body, underglaze painted with overglaze luster

13th centuryPersian
Head of a Lion | Harvard Art Museums | KenAI