The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 19, 2025

Doorknocker in the Form of a Lion

1400s

Italy

(?)
wrought iron
Overall: 15.3 x 4 cm (6 x 1 9/16 in.)
Gift of the John B. Putnam Foundation 1970.20
Location: Not on view

Description

Doorknockers such as this one were popular accessories for the homes of the wealthy during the Middle Ages. They are found in many different forms. The lion, symbolizing nobility, fortitude, and strength was highly favored.
  • (Blumka Gallery, New York).
  • “Twelve Additions to the Medieval Treasury.” The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art 59, no. 4 (April 1972): 87–111. Mentioned and reproduced: p. 104a-105a, figs. 39-40 www.jstor.org
  • Year in Review: 1970. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (February 10-March 7, 1971).
  • {{cite web|title=Doorknocker in the Form of a Lion|url=false|author=|year=1400s|access-date=19 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1970.20