Bidspirit auction | Exclusive high relief in Biancone

Exclusive high relief in Biancone de Asiago marble with the Lion of Saint Mark, Italy, Venice, 19th century - Carved Biancone di Asiago marble, sculpted from a single block. Dimensions: 72 × 58 × 25 cm. An exceptional high relief carved from Biancone di Asiago marble depicting the iconic Lion of Saint Mark with an open book, one of the most representative symbols of the Most Serene Republic of Venice. From a private Venetian collection, the work has been entirely carved from a single block of marble, distinguished by the extraordinary quality of its execution and the depth of the relief, which gives the figure a remarkable sense of volume, making the lion appear to emerge from the stone. The open book traditionally symbolizes periods of peace and prosperity for the Republic of Venice, although the Most Serene Republic never established an official and unequivocal interpretation of its emblems, which has led to diverse iconographic readings throughout history. The masterful anatomical treatment of the lion, its powerful musculature, the expressiveness of its face, and the exquisite detail work, executed with a precision that demonstrates the sculptor's exceptional skill, are particularly noteworthy. With its balanced proportions and considerable weight, it is a visually striking piece, suitable for both indoor and outdoor display and especially designed for wall mounting. The scarcity of Venetian reliefs of this quality on the market, combined with the excellence of the carving and the historical symbolism of the subject matter, makes this work a piece of extraordinary interest to collectors and enthusiasts of Italian sculpture. It is presented in excellent overall condition, completely intact. This lot is in an international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipping: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required.