Artwork Page for Statuette of a Lion

Details / Information for Statuette of a Lion

Statuette of a Lion

380–246 BCE

Egypt, Late period (715–332 BCE), Dynasty 30

Medium
limestone
Measurements
Overall: 13.8 x 12 cm (5 7/16 x 4 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1920.2001
Public Domain
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Location
107 Egyptian
Print
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Did You Know?

In antiquity, lions were often associated with rulers and this miniature sculpture likely depicts the Egyptian lion god Mahes. In ancient Egypt, a special city known as Leontopolis, or "Lion-City," had a temple dedicated to this deity in which live lions were kept. This small limestone sculpture would have been at home in such a location.

Description

Lions in Egyptian art are usually shown prone and relaxed, and usually represent the king. But this statuette probably represents the lion god Mahes who had a great temple at Leontopolis ("Lion-City") in the Delta where lions were kept. We know from classical authors that the temple maintained musicians to play to the lions to calm their nerves.
A light-colored limestone sculpture depicts a lion resting on a rectangular base. The weathered stone has a porous texture, with its facial features eroded into blocky, flat planes. Facing forward, the lion's body extends to our left. One paw reaches toward the right while the other tucks beneath its chest. Its tail wraps from behind to rest along the base's front edge, which features faint, vertical incised lines.

Statuette of a Lion

380–246 BCE

Egypt, Late period (715–332 BCE), Dynasty 30

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