Pair Of Alabaster Sculptures, Canova's Lions, Souvenir Of The Grand Tour, 19th Century, 18th Century Style

An antique and elegant pair of reclining lions, sculpted in alabaster. This model faithfully reproduces the famous "Lions of Canova" created for the tomb of Pope Clement XIII in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The two felines, depicted in a pose of repose yet full of restrained tension, form a perfectly complementary duo: one stands watch, alert, with its head slightly raised; the other, more meditative, rests its muzzle on its paw in an attitude of majestic calm. Each lion rests on a rectangular alabaster base, the lower part of which has a rough texture: – Deeply sculpted mane, with swirling locks typical of the Canovian style. – Naturalistic anatomy: visible ribs, supple modeling, subtle muscular tension. – Expressive muzzles, finely detailed paws, perfectly balanced proportions and silhouettes. The generous dimensions of these lions (approximately 30 cm long and 21.5 cm high) make them decorative sculptures of rare visual impact, equally suited to a bookcase or a collector's console table. These sculptures were typically brought back from Italy as works of art by European connoisseurs during the Grand Tour, and this model displays the same Neoclassical refinement as those produced for aristocratic travelers in the early 19th century. Antonio Canova and the Grand Tour: Antonio Canova (1757–1822), the undisputed master of Neoclassicism, played a central role in the rediscovery of classical aesthetics at the end of the 18th century. His works, such as Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, The Three Graces, and The Lions of Clement XIII, were admired throughout Europe and considered the pinnacle of modern sculpture. During the Grand Tour era, Rome was the preferred destination for the European elite, and Canova's studio an essential stop. His creations—or the models they inspired—were among the most sought-after artistic souvenirs. Travelers commissioned or brought back statues, busts, and miniatures in marble or alabaster, spreading the Canovian style to the grand houses of England, France, Germany, and Russia. These alabaster lions fit perfectly within this tradition: they perpetuate Canova's noble and serene aesthetic, while also testifying to the Grand Tour enthusiasts' fascination with Italian art and the classical heritage revived by the sculptor.