Neoclassical Bronze Winged Lion of Saint Mark – Venetian Grand Tour Masterpiece
Italian Grand Tour Bronze Winged Lion of Saint Mark, Circa 1820
An Early-19th-Century Venetian Emblem in Neoclassical Cast Bronze
The Lion of Saint Mark with Inscribed Gospel and Decoratively Modelled Base
Highlights
• Early-19th-century Italian bronze dating from approximately 1820.
• Celebrated winged Lion of Saint Mark subject.
• Probably produced in Venice for the Grand Tour market.
• Open Gospel bearing the traditional Venetian Latin inscription.
• Detailed modelling throughout the lion’s mane, wings and facial features.
• Raised upon a richly ornamented rectangular base.
• Dark brown patina with green oxidation and warm rubbed highlights.
• Compact scale combined with a commanding heraldic presence.
• Maker and foundry presently unidentified.
• Acquired through a Gloucestershire dealer near Highgrove.
• Suitable for a library, desk, cabinet or collection of Italian bronzes.
• Worldwide insured delivery available.
Introduction
This characterful early-19th-century bronze represents the winged Lion of Saint Mark, one of the most recognisable symbols of Venice and its historic republic.
The lion stands alertly upon a decoratively cast rectangular base, its feathered wings rising behind a richly textured mane. Beneath one forepaw lies the open Gospel of Saint Mark, inscribed with the celebrated words:
“PAX TIBI MARCE EVANGELISTA MEUS”
“Peace to you, Mark, my Evangelist.”
Catalogued as probably Venetian and dating to approximately 1820, the sculpture reflects the early-19th-century taste for small Italian bronzes collected during the Grand Tour. Its modest dimensions made it suitable for transport, while its subject provided an immediate and enduring connection with the history and visual identity of Venice.
Catalogue Details
Artist or maker: Unidentified
School: Italian School
Probable place of production: Venice
Date: Circa 1820
Period: Early 19th century
Style: Neoclassical and Grand Tour
Subject: The Winged Lion of Saint Mark
Material: Cast bronze
Inscription: “PAX TIBI MARCE EVANGELISTA MEUS”
English translation: “Peace to you, Mark, my Evangelist”
Surface: Dark brown historic patina with green oxidation
Base: Rectangular form with scrolling and acanthus-inspired decoration
Underside: Green baize covering
Signature: Unsigned
Foundry mark: None identified
Weight: Approximately 0.3 kg
Catalogue Note
Although compact in scale, the sculpture has been composed to communicate authority and vigilance. The lion’s upright bearing, broad chest and elevated wings establish a strong and immediately recognisable silhouette.
The mane is arranged in curling locks around the head and neck, creating depth through alternating passages of shadow and highlighted bronze. Individual feather divisions articulate the wings, while the face retains a solemn, heraldic expression.
The Gospel rests beneath the lion’s forepaw. Its inscription identifies the subject unequivocally and connects the sculpture with the artistic and civic traditions of Venice.
The figure stands upon an ornamented base enriched with scrolling foliage and acanthus-like forms. These decorations provide an architectural foundation and place the work within the Neoclassical decorative tradition of the early 19th century.
A deep brown patina covers much of the surface, with greenish oxidation visible in recessed areas. Natural rubbing upon projecting details provides warmer highlights and enhances the sculpture’s definition.
Iconography and Historical Context
The winged lion is the traditional attribute of Saint Mark the Evangelist. By the medieval period it had also become the principal emblem of Venice, appearing upon buildings, paintings, manuscripts, coins, military objects and official seals.
The open book refers to the Gospel of Saint Mark. Its Latin inscription translates as “Peace to you, Mark, my Evangelist,” words traditionally associated with a vision received by the saint.
The symbol came to express the religious authority and civic identity of Venice, as well as the historic reach of the Venetian Republic. Lions of Saint Mark remain visible throughout Venice and across former Venetian territories.
During the Grand Tour, travellers sought objects that embodied the history and visual character of the places they visited. Small bronzes were particularly desirable because they combined refined workmanship, intellectual association and practical portability.
This sculpture is catalogued as a Grand Tour bronze probably produced in Venice during the early 19th century. As it is unsigned and bears no identified foundry mark, its precise workshop and date remain matters of attribution.
Provenance
Acquired from a respected Gloucestershire antiques dealer located near Highgrove.
Curated and catalogued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.
The mention of Highgrove refers only to the dealer’s geographical location. No association with Highgrove House or the Royal Household is claimed.
Dimensions
Length: 9.7 cm or approximately 3.8 inches.
Width: 4.9 cm or approximately 1.9 inches.
Height: 8 cm or approximately 3.1 inches.
Weight: Approximately 0.3 kg or 0.66 lb.
All measurements are approximate.
Condition Report
The bronze remains in good antique condition and retains an attractive aged appearance.
Its surface displays expected wear, settled dust, small scuffs, scratches and areas of green oxidation. The dark patina is relieved by naturally rubbed bronze highlights upon the most prominent details.
No significant cracks, structural losses or apparent repairs have been identified.
The green baize covering beneath the base has tears, wear and areas of loss. Its precise date is unknown and it may have been added or replaced during the sculpture’s history.
Detailed photographs are provided to assist assessment. Further images and information are available upon request.
Shipping
Worldwide delivery is available.
The bronze will be carefully protected, professionally packaged and dispatched fully insured.
Please contact us for a destination-specific delivery quotation or any additional information.
Attribution & Research Notice
The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.
These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®
Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.
Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and over two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit, accompanied by transparent provenance research, accurate catalogue descriptions and a professional, client-focused service.
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