A Pair Of Remarkable Renaissance Lions, Hand Carved Marble From Venice, 1500's

This is a pair of truly remarkable Renaissance lions that originate from Venice, Italy. They are hand carved from white marble with a masterful artistry. Dating from the 1500's [or even earlier] this ancient sculptural masterpiece is exquisite in so many ways. The lions are mounted on blocks of green marble. They were once garden or terrace ornaments that gave them a fantastic timeworn patina that only centuries could create. One of the lions bears engraved the letter "R", most certainly the initial of its anonymous maker. Each lion measures about 20 x 11 x 28 cm or approximately 7.8 x 4.3 x 11 inches and they are in lovely antique condition and exactly as I discovered them. For the full condition please refer to the images!