Curator

  • Art Institute Chicago
  • Harvard art museum
  • My Exhibition
Head of a Lion

Head of a Lion

Coptic

Head of a lion resting on its front paws, sculpted in the round. Blocky head with what remains of the eyes high above the bulging cheeks. Long, bulbous nose with nostrils at lower tip. The mouth is broad and projects from the face below the nose, giving the appearance of full, fleshy lips. Pointy, flat tongue protrudes from slightly open mouth. Teeth are short and squared. Underside of cheeks rest on flipper-like paws. Stylized mane rendered in horizontal segments, which are separated from each other by deep ridges. Upper portion of head is heavily chipped. Stone is deteriorating. Traces of plaster coating and paint pigment remain.

Limestone

Byzantine period

Architectural Elements