Fountain mout Lion mask, gilt bronze, Germany 16th-17th century

This decorative bronze mask is typical of German fountain mouths from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. This rare example, which has retained its beautiful gilding, is a striking example of the sumptuous fountains decorated during the Renaissance, reflecting the evolution of the conception of water in the 16th century as a decorative and symbolic element, playing a central role in the embellishment of gardens, squares and prestigious residences of the period. Representing a stylised lion, its wide-open mouth once served as an exit for the water that flowed out of it.
Captivating and theatrical, this work combines its utilitarian function with refined aesthetics, testifying to the skill and artistic creativity of late Renaissance artists in Europe.