A pink marble figure of a crouching lion, possibly Roman, 1st/2nd Century.

This delightful figure was purchased in Italy by Brownlow, 9th Earl of Exeter (1725-1793) whilst on his first Grand Tour in 1763. It was subsequently recorded in the 1763 Burghley Inventory: ‘in the dining room, 4 George room, Fig. of a Lion Marble found at Ostia 1725 upon ye chimney’.
It has more recently been suggested that it could possibly be an 18th Century replica inspired by the antique. This type of copying was far from unknown, as Grand Tourists, particularly in the 18th Century, fascinated by the ancient world were seeking to buy antiquities on a massive scale; the supply not inexhaustible and the temptation to fill the gap no doubt tempting for those with the skill to do so.
Height :16.5cm, length : 23cm.