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PAIR OF DOORKNOCKERS
Venetian, early 17th century
Bronze
Overall length 19 inches (48 cm)
| Provenance: |
- Paul Rosenberg & Co. "Old Master Drawings, Bronzes of the Renaissance"
March 1987, #17
- Fellowship of Friends, Renaissance, California.
- Private Collection, New York
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| Literature: |
- Similar lions (on slightly similar backplates) are illustrated in the Hiem Summer 1970
Exhibition, "Mannerist Paintings and Sculptures", #14-15 illustrated.
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These doorknockers in the form of leaping lions which face each other were
obviously meant for a pair of monumental doors. The rear legs of the lion hinge into the
mouth of a fantastic leonine mask which was to be bolted to a door. The front paw rapped
on a floral rosette which was also secured to the door. Thus the head of the lion facing
downwards was lifted and let go to announce a visitor.
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