gs-1352

An impressive marble statue of the Lion of Saint Mark positioned on a rectangular pedestal. Hand carved in White Thassos Marble. Prov. private collection near Venice, Italy. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 18th/19th Century

The Lion of Saint Mark is a winged lion that symbolically represents Saint Mark the Evangelist, patron of Venice. It is a symbol used to give an immediate and unique sign of identity and power. It doesn’t have an official or political meaning, but only a popular and religious origin.

It is the emblem of the lagoon city, of the ancient Serenissima Republic, of the municipality, of the province and of the Veneto region. It appears in the coat of arms of the Italian Navy therefore in the flag of the Merchant Navy. It is present in the squares and historical buildings of all the cities that have been dominated by the Serenissima Republic, on the Venetian badges of civil, military and religious use, in the flags and in the coins.

Material: Marble
Country of Origin: Italy
Dimensions: 67" H x 104.5" W x 26.5" D