Sculptor's Model Head of a Lion Roaring

Medium: Limestone

Geograhical Locations:

• Leontopolis (Tell el Muqdam), Egypt

Dates:ca. 525–404 B.C.E.

Dimensions: 5 9/16 x 3 3/8 x 5 1/16 in. (14.1 x 8.5 x 12.8 cm) mount (display dimensions): 5 1/2 x 4 x 5 1/2 in. (14 x 10.2 x 14 cm)

Collections:

• Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Exhibitions:

• Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt

Accession Number: 34.1190

Image: 34.1190_threequarter_PS9.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
The flat base and back of this object show that it is not a fragment from a full sculpture of a lion but a complete work on its own. As such, it likely served as a votive offering, a sculptor's model, or perhaps even both. The open mouth and the detailed treatment of the interior of the mouth point to Persian influence. The popularity of the lion god Mahes in Dynasty XXVII suggests Leontopolis as a place of origin.

Brooklyn Museum