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Statuette of a Lion
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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.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Dynasty 30 |
|---|---|
| Date | 380–246 BCE |
| Culture / Origin | Egypt, Late period (715–332 BCE), Dynasty 30 |
| Medium | limestone |
| Dimensions | Overall: 13.8 x 12 cm (5 7/16 x 4 3/4 in.) |
| Department | Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern Art |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
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