A Large Late 18th-Century Decorative Antique Cast Plaster Lion Statant In Original Paint

A large and decorative late 18th-century cast plaster lion statant, presented in its original cold-painted finish. Standing proudly on all four legs, this heraldic figure exhibits a commanding pose and expressive detailing. The body is painted to resemble bronze, with a red-painted open mouth and white-painted teeth, while the base is finished in black to evoke ebony. The sculptural form and stylised features suggest it was intended as a symbolic ornament, possibly for a grand domestic interior or civic setting. A rare survivor with real presence.

Provenance – 18th Century, possibly English origin

Material: Cast plaster, cold-painted in bronze tones with red and white detailing.

Condition: Good overall. Surface wear and minor losses are consistent with age. No restoration.

Size:

• Length: 22.5 cm (8½ inches)

• Height: 16.5 cm (6½ inches)

• Depth: Approx. 10 cm (3.94 inches)

Historical Context

The lion statant—a heraldic pose where the lion stands firmly on all four legs—was widely used in 18th-century decorative arts to symbolise strength, loyalty, and nobility. Cast plaster figures like this were often produced by specialist moulders for use in interior ornamentation, especially in townhouses and civic buildings. The cold-painted technique, where pigment is applied without firing, allowed artisans to imitate bronze and other costly materials. Such figures were part of a broader tradition of symbolic plasterwork, which flourished in the 18th-century and later influenced 19th-century ornamental trends