XL Victorian Lion and Serpent - Sculpture, 3,65 Kg - 14 cm - Cast iron - 1870





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Victorian cast-iron sculpture titled '3,65 Kg', depicting a roaring lion with a serpent around its rear leg, dating to 1870, made in the United Kingdom by XL Victorian Lion and Serpent, in excellent condition.
Description from the seller
Antique Victorian Lion and Serpent Sculpture – Heavy Cast Iron – 2nd Half 19th Century, 3,65Kg
In excellent condition – No reserve.
A rare and highly characterful 19th-century cast-iron sculpture depicting a powerful roaring lion with a serpent entwined around its rear leg.
The lion is beautifully modelled with a highly detailed flowing mane, expressive roaring mouth with visible teeth, strong musculature and oversized paws. The elongated tail curves naturally along the body, while the dynamic stance gives the sculpture a remarkable sense of movement and strength.
The dark aged surface has developed an attractive patina that beautifully accentuates the sculpted details. Weighing approx. 3,65 kg, it is a substantial decorative object with excellent presence.
Lion-and-serpent imagery has a long tradition in European art, where the lion represents strength, courage and sovereignty, while the serpent can symbolise danger, evil, wisdom or the forces overcome by the lion. Such dramatic animalier subjects became particularly popular in 19th-century sculpture, reflecting the Victorian fascination with naturalistic and allegorical animal forms.
A fantastic collector's piece and a true eye-catcher for an interior, library, study or collection of 19th-century sculpture.
Details / Specifications
Object: Roaring lion & snake sculpture
Style: Victorian / Animalier
Period: 2nd half 19th century (approximately 150 years old)
Material: Cast metal
Finish: Dark aged patina
Weight: approx. 3,65 kg
Dimensions: approx. 14 x 23 x 9 cm (h x w x d)
Condition: In excellent condition, with age-related surface characteristics and beautiful patina
No reserve
A substantial Victorian lion with exceptional character, weight and presence.
Seller's Story
Antique Victorian Lion and Serpent Sculpture – Heavy Cast Iron – 2nd Half 19th Century, 3,65Kg
In excellent condition – No reserve.
A rare and highly characterful 19th-century cast-iron sculpture depicting a powerful roaring lion with a serpent entwined around its rear leg.
The lion is beautifully modelled with a highly detailed flowing mane, expressive roaring mouth with visible teeth, strong musculature and oversized paws. The elongated tail curves naturally along the body, while the dynamic stance gives the sculpture a remarkable sense of movement and strength.
The dark aged surface has developed an attractive patina that beautifully accentuates the sculpted details. Weighing approx. 3,65 kg, it is a substantial decorative object with excellent presence.
Lion-and-serpent imagery has a long tradition in European art, where the lion represents strength, courage and sovereignty, while the serpent can symbolise danger, evil, wisdom or the forces overcome by the lion. Such dramatic animalier subjects became particularly popular in 19th-century sculpture, reflecting the Victorian fascination with naturalistic and allegorical animal forms.
A fantastic collector's piece and a true eye-catcher for an interior, library, study or collection of 19th-century sculpture.
Details / Specifications
Object: Roaring lion & snake sculpture
Style: Victorian / Animalier
Period: 2nd half 19th century (approximately 150 years old)
Material: Cast metal
Finish: Dark aged patina
Weight: approx. 3,65 kg
Dimensions: approx. 14 x 23 x 9 cm (h x w x d)
Condition: In excellent condition, with age-related surface characteristics and beautiful patina
No reserve
A substantial Victorian lion with exceptional character, weight and presence.

