A 19th Century Carved Alabaster 'Canova/Chatsworth' Lion

Wonderful, 'Grand Tour' carved alabaster lion modelled on one of the Rezzonico Lions originally by Antonio Canova for the monumental tomb of Pope Clement XIII in St Peter's, Rome. Following Canova's death in 1822 the 6th Duke of Devonshire commissioned a pair of copies from Canova's pupils Rinaldo Rinaldi (sleeping) and Francesco Bengalia (alert) which are in the sculpture gallery at Chatsworth. This is the alert Lion but whether it was modelled after Canova's Rome Lion and brought back to England or Benaglia's at Chatsworth we will never know. It has multiple chips, some cracks and dents but all that adds to its considerable charm and presence. 

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