Recumbent lion
30th Dynasty, or early Ptolemaic Period, ca. 380–280 BC
The lion played many roles in Egyptian religion and was closely associated with kingship. It was furthermore an ancient symbol of the sun god. The animal’s extraordinary strength and ferociousness as well as the impressive appearance of its long mane made the king of beasts a fierce divine protector and guardian against hostile forces.
The lion played many roles in Egyptian religion and was closely associated with kingship. It was furthermore an ancient symbol of the sun god. The animal’s extraordinary strength and ferociousness as well as the impressive appearance of its long mane made the king of beasts a fierce divine protector and guardian against hostile forces.
Time:
30th Dynasty, or early Ptolemaic Period, ca. 380–280 BC
Object Name
Statue
Culture
Ägyptisch
Location of discovery:
Fundort unbekannt
Material/technology:
Sandstone
Dimensions:
H 32 cm, B 22 cm, T 75 cm, G 45 kg
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Ägyptisch - Orientalische Sammlung
Invs.
Ägyptische Sammlung, INV 60
Provenance
1821, purchased by Ernst August Burghart in Egypt