Marble Lion Gargoyle

Dayton Art Institute

This 18th century, marble lion head was donated to the Dayton Art Institute (DAI) in 1929.  It is believed to have been based on a marble, Roman table-leg from the 1st century.  This one was mounted on the museum’s cupola at the roofline and, over the years and in the elements, it had deteriorated badly.

The descendants of the donor wished to have it replicated for the DAI.  I started with a 3D print of the damaged piece upon which I added and sculpted white clay to “repair” the missing parts. Then with measuring tape, calipers and a fresh block of white marble, I carefully recreated the marble lion head.  Much of the detail of the original was obliterated by wear, so, for my carving, I relied on my instincts and a photo of the somewhat, but not very, similar 1st century lion.

The lion will be remounted after the Institute has installed its new slate roof.

It will best be viewed through the glass roof of the atrium.

Colorado Yule Marble
14 x 6 x 10 inches.