"Lion Sejant", A fine and rare pair of patinated bronze andirons Great Britain, second half 19th century, possibly cast by D. BRUCCIANI & CO, after the model by Alfred George Stevens

overall in good condition with their original iron extensions, light wear to patina to high relief of bronze consistent with age and touching, some nicks and scratches to surface of lion
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Alfred Stevens was one of the most talented sculptors to work in Britain during the mid-19th century. Stevens was heavily influenced by Italian Renaissance sculpture, in particular Michelangelo's works, which he encountered when he was living in Italy between 1833-42. In the years following his death, Stevens came to be recognized as one of the fathers of the New Sculpture movement, which heralded the rebirth of British sculpture at the end of the 19^thcentury.

After the main gates and railings of the British Museum had been installed in May 1852, a second lower set of railings was erected outside to mark the museum's boundary. These railings were ornamented at intervals with twenty-five cast iron lions, modeled by Alfred Stevens (1817-75), one of the leading sculptors of his day. The dignified regal posture of the lion was greatly admired at the time, and it is thought that Stevens may have been inspired by a particularly impressive cat belonging to one of his friends.

In 1895 the miniature railing was dismantled to make way for pavement improvements, and the lions were dispersed. Some of the railings, complete with twelve lions, were later installed in St Paul's Cathedral around the Wellington Monument, which Stevens had designed in 1856. From 1896 onwards, the Covent Garden firm of Messrs D. Brucciani & Co. made bronze casts of Stevens' lions, which were sold for 7s. 6d. each. Other variants were produced in earthenware by the Manchester firm of Pilkington's Tile and Pottery Company between 1899-1900, and by Carter & Co., of Poole, Dorset, during the early 1900s.