Pair of Revival Art Company Cast Stone Canova Lions
This lot comprises a matching pair of reclining lion statues in cast stone, produced by the Revival Art Company. The design follows the celebrated recumbent lions associated with the funerary monument of Antonio Canova in the Church of the Frari in Venice, a composition that has been widely reproduced in garden and architectural ornament for over a century. Each lion rests with its forelegs extended and its head lowered, one turned with its muzzle resting upon its paws and the other held in a more alert, forward-facing pose. The manes are rendered in deeply carved, tightly curled locks, and the musculature of the shoulders and haunches is softly modelled. Each figure is mounted on a rectangular plinth, giving the pair a strong, stable presence suited to gateways, terraces or entrance steps.
Condition and Collector Appeal
The lions show an even, speckled grey-white finish typical of aged cast stone, with the detail of the manes and paws still clearly defined. From the images provided, no obvious breaks are visible, although surface wear, light staining and minor weathering are present, as would be expected for pieces of this type. We have not tested either piece for structural soundness, so prospective bidders are encouraged to inspect the lot in person or request further photographs before bidding. Original Revival Art Company castings of this design are sought after by garden owners and collectors of architectural reproductions, and a well-matched pair with an authentic patina offers particular appeal for symmetrical garden layouts and period-style interiors.