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Apr 12, 2007
Apr 12, 2007
Statuette of a Lion
Statuette of a Lion
380–246 BC
Limestone
Overall: 13.8 x 12 cm (5 7/16 x 4 3/4 in.)
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1920.2001
Location
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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.
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