Description
An exceptional Roman marble trapezophoros, or sculptural table support, carved in the form of a powerful upright lion. Originally conceived as one of three leonine supports for an elaborate marble table, the sculpture combines architecture, furniture and figural sculpture in a form associated with the luxurious domestic interiors of the Roman world.
The lion rises vigorously upward, its back describing a pronounced S-shaped curve. The head projects dramatically forward, with the jaws opened wide to reveal the canines and tongue. The broad muzzle, deeply articulated mouth and strongly modeled facial features give the animal an imposing and animated presence.
The head and neck are framed by a substantial mane arranged in regular overlapping tufts. The restrained sculptural technique is significant for the dating: the eyes are rendered without incised irises or pupils, while the curls of the mane are modeled without the extensive drilling that became increasingly prominent in later Imperial sculpture. These characteristics support an early Imperial date around AD 100.
The leonine form was originally integrated with elaborate acanthus ornament. A large, rolled acanthus leaf on the right side remains substantially preserved, curling beside the body, while the corresponding leaves formerly decorating the chest and left side are now missing. Drill holes on either side of the chest preserve further evidence for the original arrangement of this vegetal decoration.
The sculpture’s structural function is particularly well preserved. From approximately the shoulder blades upward, the reverse is flattened to create a rectangular supporting surface. A circular fixing hole between the shoulders was intended to receive a horizontal bar forming part of the table’s framework. Above the lion’s head originally continued a pilaster-like member upon which the tabletop rested; this upper element is now missing.
Although displayed today as an independent sculpture, the lion originally formed one of three marble supports, creating a three-part arrangement beneath the tabletop. This construction belongs to a distinguished class of Roman marble furniture for which important archaeological parallels are known from Pompeii and the region of Vesuvius.
The choice of the lion was particularly appropriate for such an imposing piece of furniture. Throughout the Classical and Roman worlds the lion conveyed ideas of strength, authority, protection and prestige. Here the animal’s powerful form was combined with luxuriant acanthus foliage and architectural elements, transforming a functional table support into a substantial work of decorative sculpture.
The present example is particularly impressive for its 50 cm scale, vigorously modeled head, open jaws, deeply articulated mane and substantial surviving acanthus leaf. Even separated from the original table, the sculpture retains considerable monumentality and can be appreciated as an accomplished work of Roman marble carving in its own right.
References and Parallels
For the construction of a Roman marble table with trapezophoroi in the form of lions, compare the marble table in the National Archaeological Museum, Naples, illustrated in:
Gisela M. A. Richter, The Furniture of the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans, London: Phaidon, 1966, fig. 577. Richter’s 1966 publication remains a standard study of ancient Greek, Etruscan and Roman furniture. Open Library
Compare also two related leonine trapezophoroi:
Musei Vaticani, Rome — Arachne no. 53732.
Museum of Ancient Art, Stockholm — Arachne no. 130164.
These specific comparisons are recorded in the earlier catalogue history of the present type, alongside the Richter reference. Baidun
Particularly important archaeological parallels are provided by the marble lion table supports excavated at Pompeii VI.12.2. These were discovered in the second peristyle on 26 October 1831 and are now preserved in the National Archaeological Museum, Naples, inv. 53396. Pompeii in Pictures
Together, the Naples, Vatican, Stockholm and Pompeian examples establish the present sculpture within the well-documented Roman tradition of leonine marble trapezophoroi used as the sculptural supports of prestigious marble tables.
REFERENCE #
SI_RM_1082
CIVILIZATION
Roman, 100 C.E.
SIZE
H. 50 cm
CONDITION
Preserved from the hips upward and reassembled from two parts. Nose slightly worn; lower jaw and ears fragmentary. Right hip slightly worn. The transition toward the foot is preserved. The rolled acanthus leaf on the right side is largely preserved, while the leaves originally decorating the chest and left side are missing. The upper pilaster that originally continued above the head and supported the tabletop is no longer preserved. Ancient surface wear, abrasions and localized losses consistent with age. Mounted on a modern display stand.
PRICE
Price available upon request
PROVENANCE
English priv. collection 1970’s
Frequently Asked Questions
The table leg is designed in the form of an upright lion with an S-shaped curved back. It features wide-open jaws showing canines and tongue, a mane arranged in regular tufts, and originally had acanthus leaves adorning its chest and sides. The reverse side is flattened to form a rectangular support with a circular drill hole for a horizontal bar.
The early date is suggested by the lack of incised iris and pupil in the lion's eyes and the simple execution of the curls in the mane without drilling. These stylistic features point to an earlier period of Roman craftsmanship around 100 C.E.
The circular drill hole between the shoulders was used to insert a horizontal bar that supported the table top. Additionally, drill holes on both sides of the lion's chest mark where the acanthus leaves originally emerged, indicating decorative elements and structural function.
The sculpture is preserved from the hips upward but has some damage: the nose is slightly worn, the lower jaw and ears are fragmentary, and some acanthus leaves on the chest and left side are missing. It has been reassembled from two parts, with slight wear on the right hip and a preserved transition to the foot.
The table leg comes from an English private collection dating back to the 1940s. This provenance adds historical context and traceability to the artifact's ownership before it became available for study or sale.
Yes, similar Roman tables with trapezophoroi in the form of lions exist, such as a marble table in the National Museum in Naples and two trapezophori in the Musei Vaticani in Rome and the Museum of Ancient Art in Stockholm. These references help contextualize the design and function of the table leg.
The table leg stands 50 cm high and is made of marble, typical of Roman sculptural furniture elements from around 100 C.E. The material and size reflect its use as a sturdy support for a table top.
