Antonio Canova’s Lion’s Head in Lava Gray Terracotta H 40cm

La Terracotta dall’antichità all’eccellenza

SUBJECT

The lion is the most represented animal in classical antiquity and the Near East. It symbolizes strength, nobility, majesty, courage and ardor. The lion is iconographically related to the cardinal virtue of Fortitudo and is an attribute of Ethics and Self-Government. It also represents the force subjected to Eloquence and Justice. The animal as a whole and some parts of its body, such as the head and legs, are widely used in many of the applied arts.
The lion, the king of the forest, one of the most majestic and strong animals in the common imagination. The lion with its mane, is easily associated with the Sun surrounded by rays. It thus expresses brightness and light, which are characteristics of celestial energies. Moreover, it is seen as a majestic and regal animal, so much so that it became the king of animals, and is also a symbol of strength, courage, and wisdom.
In this decoration the lion is represented with The muzzle is surrounded by a thick, wavy mane, with a half-open mouth and large eyes that have little of the feline and much of the human.

THE MATERIAL.

Terracotta consists of a clay mixture that is fired at a temperature of 980-990° C. The typical reddish color is due to the conspicuous presence of iron substances. Resistant to frost, heat, thermal changes and brackish, over time it becomes almost a unique element with the surrounding natural environment. In fact, it is not uncommon for lichens and moss to settle on the surface, creating different textures and designs, which will make each object a unique, exclusive and personal piece.

These characteristics make terracotta ideal for outdoor decoration and furnishing. Its unmistakable touch, traditionally associated with a rustic and retro taste, is once again becoming the protagonist in innovative and designer projects. Prestigious names in contemporary architecture and art are rediscovering the value, even symbolic, of an ancient material that brings together water and earth, sustainability and the desire for innovation. Thanks to the rediscovery of all natural materials, which respect the environment and enhance it, modern design revisits traditional elements and gives new life to terracotta, in the architectural, landscape and artistic fields.