Lion of St. Mark; Venice, 17th century.

Lion of St. Mark; Venice, XVII century.
Gilded bronze and marble base.
Measurements: 14 x 22 x 9 cm; 4 x 22 x 12 cm (base).
Winged lion executed in bronze in a marching position, with the body slightly leaning forward, legs extended and wings erect, suggesting both movement and vigilance. Its muscular body and the detailed modeling of the fur in the mane denote a high degree of technical virtuosity, characteristic of bronze worked by Venetian Baroque casters.
The face of the lion combines zoomorphic features with a slight anthropomorphic stylization, giving an expression of almost rational dignity.
The representation of the lion alludes directly to the evangelist patron saint of the city, St. Mark. This saint is associated with the lion because his Gospel begins talking about the desert, and precisely this animal was considered the king of the desert. In addition, at the beginning of his account, Mark speaks of the Jordan River, around which lived various wild animals, the lion among them. It is also said that Mark is the lion because his Gospel begins by speaking of John the Baptist as the "Voice crying in the wilderness", a voice that would be like that of the lion.
During the 16th century the city of Venice became a symbol of power and prestige, giving rise to a lifestyle where concepts such as luxury and magnificence were developed, which were staged in its public festivities. The money generated by trade from the East to Europe through the canals of the city, led them to be the first commercial power of their time and one of the references in terms of sophistication and modernity, thus attracting great artists to the city. Their festivals evidenced this panorama, recreated through the processions with the pomp and pageantry, and the pomp of the golden gondolas for St. Mark's Day.