Lapicidal of Southern Italy, 14th century, a pair of stylophorous lions, marble Lapicidal of Southern Italy, 14th century PAIR OF STYLOPHOROUS LIONS marble sculptures, 53x33.5x55 cm and 56x34.5x56.5 cm The two sculptures depict crouching lions with their jaws wide open and their tongues protruding, holding between their front paws two human figures emerging from their thick manes; on their backs rests an octagonal plinth-shaped base, originally designed to support a column. A characteristic example of medieval architectural sculpture, the stylobore lion was placed in the porches and pulpits of early Christian and Romanesque churches with the function of supporting columns, but was also the bearer of a symbolic spiritual message addressed to the faithful. In fact, the lion in medieval bestiaries was likened to the idea of watching over and protecting, as it was believed to sleep with its eyes open.