Two 14th century South Italian limestone models of lions with columns This imposing pair of recumbent lions each bears a fragmentary marble column on its back. Depicted with heads raised and looking diagonally upwards, they are thought to have originally formed part of a larger architectural setting. They may have been placed at the entrance of a church, which would give the lions an apotropaic function. Carved in the round, slightly polished in some areas, the columns of flecked marble 73 x 57 x 33 and 56 x 55 x 30 cm Wear with losses. Some slight weather damage to the limestone. Lanza collection, Palermo. - Collection of Giuseppe Ricci Paraccini Bergamin.