Early 19th Century Bronze Figures of Griffins

About This Object

An exquisite and very rare Regency period pair of bronze desktop ornaments modelled as Griffins with lion's heads. England, early 19th century.

Why We Like Them

We love the exquisite sculptural quality of these griffins, the superb cast and their noble, time-worn patina.

Design

These exquisite bronze ornaments, modelled as chimerical winged lionesses sacred to the deity Apollo and emblematic of sovereignty and power, are informed by a design by the architect Charles Heathcote Tatham (d. 1842). An etching, representing the ‘Antique Chimière in basso relievo of white marble, a fragment from Rome’ in his Etchings of Ancient Ornamental Architecture drawn from the Originals in Rome and Other Parts of Italy during the years, 1794, 1795 and 1796, which was published in 1799-1800. 

A related lion-headed winged griffin (in a recumbent pose), incorporated in an armchair design by 

Thomas Hope is illustrated in his Household Furniture and Interior Decoration (1807), plate XI, nos. 3-4.

Another related design by Sir William Chambers is illustrated in 1791 in the third edition of his Treatise on the Decorative Part of Civil Architecture, in an additional plate illustrating 'ornamental utensils, designed for the Earl of Charlemont, for Lord Melbourne, and for some decorations for my own house'. A drawing by Chambers's draughtsman John Yenn survives in the Victoria and Albert Museum (M.48, E. 5029-1910). 

Dimensions

Base: 14cm x 10cm / 5.5” x 4”

Total height: 17.5cm / 6.9"

Figures: 10.5cm x 4.5cm x 14.5cm / 4.15” x 1.75” x 5.7"