Lion Aquamanile

ca. 1425-1450

On View

European: Medieval, Level 2, Central Wing

Lion Aquamanile: 1 of Collection Gallery

Lion Aquamanile: 2 of Collection Gallery

Lion Aquamanile: 3 of Collection Gallery

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About the Artwork

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Provenance

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Exhibition History

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Published References

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Catalogue Raisonné

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Credit Line for Reproduction

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About the Artwork

The Latin origins of the term aquamanile—aqua meaning water and manus meaning hand—describe the function of this lively bronze lion. Such hollow cast vessels, often taking the form of animals, were used throughout Europe from the twelfth through the sixteenth century to dispense water for hand washing. Aquamanilia commonly served in liturgical settings, but this roaring lion, a well-known symbol of fortitude, is believed to have been made for secular use. The design balances the natural form and energy of the lion with an elegant stylization of features. For example, the tail, which would have functioned as the handle, is deeply incised with a distinctive, flamelike pattern of tufts that heighten the sense of movement while adding decorative richness to the surface. The superb quality of craftsmanship and the high nickel content of the alloy are characteristic of Nuremberg metalwork in the later medieval era.
From Bulletin of the Detroit Institute of Arts 89 (2015)

Title Lion Aquamanile

Artwork Date ca. 1425-1450

Artist ----------

Life Dates ----------

Nationality Please note: Definitions for nationality may vary significantly, depending on chronology and world events. Some definitions include: Belonging to a people having a common origin based on a geography and/or descent and/or tradition and/or culture and/or religion and/or language, or sharing membership in a legally defined nation. German

Culture Please note: Cultures may be defined by the language, customs, religious beliefs, social norms, and material traits of a group. ----------

Medium Copper alloy

Dimensions Overall: 11 1/2 × 9 inches (29.2 × 22.9 cm)

Classification Metalwork

Department European Sculpture and Dec Arts

Credit Museum Purchase, Robert H. Tannahill Foundation Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Brodie provided funds for the Spigot

Accession Number This unique number is assigned to an individual artwork as part of the cataloguing process at the time of entry into the permanent collection. Most frequently, accession numbers begin with the year in which the artwork entered the museum’s holdings. For example, 2008.3 refers to the year of acquisition and notes that it was the 3rd of that year. The DIA has a few additional systems—no longer assigned—that identify specific donors or museum patronage groups. 2008.1

Markings

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Provenance

Blumka Gallery (dealer), New York

For more information on provenance, please visit:

Provenance page

Exhibition History

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The exhibition history of a number of objects in our collection only begins after their acquisition by the museum, and may reflect an incomplete record.

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Published References

Bulletin of the DIA 89, no. 1/4: Notable Acquisitions, 2000–2015 (2015): p. 50 (ill.).

Darr, Alan P. "Museum Accessions." Antiques Magazine (Jan/Feb 2010): p. 46 (ill.).

Darr, Alan Phipps, Yao-Fen You, and Megan Reddicks. “Recent Acquisitions (2007–15) of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts at the Detroit Institute of Arts.” The Burlington Magazine 158 (June 2016): pp. 501–512, p. 501 (ill.).

Rosenberg, Karen. "Sacred Works in Secular Places." New York Times (October 19, 2007): unpaginated (ill.). [https://mobile.nytimes.com/2007/10/19/arts/design/19blum.html; Accessed February 9, 2017]

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Catalogue Raisoneé

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Credit Line for Reproduction

German, Lion Aquamanile, ca. 1425-1450, copper alloy. Detroit Institute of Arts, Museum Purchase, Robert H. Tannahill Foundation Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Brodie provided funds for the Spigot, 2008.1.