Detailed Information: 

The statue is a sculpture of a lion made of volcanic stones known as nenfro to depict lions with wings and sphinxes. It is carved around 550 B.C. and discovered during the excavation of tomb monuments in the Etruscan city of Vulci. The discovery of this sculpture in excavation of Necropoli was intended to protect the entrance of chamber tombs which was covered by a tumulus. The lions, often in appeared in pairs, acted as guardians of the tombs representing the traditions of ancient Egypt and Near East.

Analysis: 

This sculpture of a lion is uniquely presented, with wings and fearful looking eyes. The emphasis on the wings showed that lions are godly creatures. It is standing tall and proud appearing to be guarding something.  The abstractness of the wings strikes the audience’s eyes and enhances the idea the lions are symbolism for authority. The sculpture has accurately represented the strong and compacted body of a lion and its powerful jaws and teeth looking as if it is ready to take down its prey.  Its jaws are wide open as if it’s about to eat its prey.  Its muscular legs showed its ferociousness. The size of the sculpture is relatively medium but does not take away from the fierceness from its sharp eyes. Lions, king of the jungle,  are loyal and powerful.  Lion sculptures in the entrance of cemeteries show that back then people believed that lions are able to protect them as guardians. This piece of art might not have fully represented an actual lion but all the characteristics have been shown perfectly.