Big Venetian Lion

Beautiful, handcrafted sculpture in terracotta, modelled with great attention to detail and following ancient techniques. 

The winged Lion is the symbol of Venice, because the winged lion described in the book of Revelation (Rv. 4,7) was identified as St. Mark the Evangelist, buried in the city's main church. After the Venetian “theft” of the holy relics in Alessandria in Egypt, a legend aroused in which the Saint had a dream, while traveling across the Venetian lagoon. An angel revealed to St Mark that his body would have come to extreme and peaceful rest in Venice. Hence, the words “Peace to you, Mark, my Evangelist” can be read, in Latin, on the open book. The winged Lion was placed by the Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia in every town of its rich dominium.

Given its firing at about 1000° C, the sculpture can be placed outside and won't be damaged by sun, cold or ice.