This Romanesque limestone relief depicts a lion standing over a deer, its head bent downward in an act of attack. The stylised carving, featuring a thick, curling mane and angular body, is contained within a rectangular frame, suggesting it was once part of a larger formelle or architectural relief.

Such sculptural elements were commonly integrated into the façades of Venetian palazzos from the 12th century onwards, often repurposed from earlier marble structures (spolia). The composition derives from a Byzantine prototype, continuing a sculptural tradition that extended beyond Constantinople. Similar reliefs, such as those still in situ at the entrance to the Ca’ d’Oro in Venice, served not only as decorative features but also carried an apotropaic function—symbolising strength, authority, and protection over the buildings they adorned.

Previously acquired from Sam Fogg, a leading specialist in medieval art, this relief carries a notable provenance, further underscoring its significance.

Origin: Italy
Period/Style: Romanesque, Venetian
Date: 12th Century
Material: Limestone
Dimensions: 40cm height x 40cm width x 16cm depth

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