Tarentine terracotta lion

Tarentine, Third quarter of the 4th century BC
Length: 10.6 cm
Provenance: Private Collection London UK, acquired in the mid 1950s
 
 
Terracotta mould-formed, openwork relief appliqué in the form of a lion, right front paw extended. The small face is turned towards us and is surrounded by a mane, which extends to the top of the legs painted reddish brown with traces of gilding. The body with large areas of white pigment still remaining is pierced for attachment.
 
This type of terracotta relief was produced over a relatively short period of 30 years or so, from 350-320 BC. They probably served as decorative appliqués to wooden sarcophagi.