Visitors to the stand of Tomasso Brothers Fine Art at Frieze Masters,Regent’s Park, London, from 17 to 20 October 2013, will be relieved that these ferocious feasting lions are made of marble. Stand A9
This striking pair of sculptures was created by the Italian sculptor and architect, Giovanni Battista Foggini. First apprenticed to two successive painters, Foggini showed a greater propensity for sculpture and, in 1673, was sent by Cosimi III de’Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, to study in the new Accademia Fiorentina in Rome. On his return three years later, he immediately received commissions from the Medici court and rapidly established himself as the foremost Florentine sculptor of the late Baroque period.
The lions are first recorded as being on the loose in the UK at Grimston Park, Tadcaster, Yorkshire, around 1840, and seem to have remained with successive owners of the property until 1872 when they were sold to John Fielden MP. They were lasted recorded as being acquired by Don Bartome March in Mallorca in 1965.
Frieze Masters will feature some ninety of the world’s leading galleries and aims to give a contemporary perspective on the relationship between old and new art, from ancient times to the 20th century.
Opening hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 12 noon to 7 pm
Sunday, 12 noon to 6 pm
Admission: Adult, £27; concessions (from 1 pm onwards), £20, www.seetickets.com
