Big Lion of St Mark

Stunning sculpture in painted ceramic, whose light turquoise background is enriched by a "crackle" effect.

The winged Lion is the symbol of Venice because the winged Lion described in the book of Revelation (RV. 4,7) was identified as being 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 arose 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, "Peace to you, Mark, my Evangelist" can be read in Latin in the open book. The Serenissima Repubblica of Venice placed the winged Lion in every town of its rich country.

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