Thelion mask is amotif used fromantiquity as anemblem of strength,courage, andmajesty.^[1][2] Lion masks (also referred to as "lion heads") are frequently employed aswater spouts on themodillions, or consoles, of theCorinthian Order.^[3] TheTower of the Winds in Athens (c. 50 BC) has stonerelief lion masks below the roof, functioning as water spouts.

The lion mask holding a ring in its mouth for a handle derives from furniture fromancient Rome and it continues to be popular as doorknocker.^[4] BothVenetian andfaçon de Venisegoblets feature decorativeprunts moulded in thelionmask shapes frequently alluding to the symbol ofVenice, theLion of Saint Mark, although the lion's head goblet sometimes has other associations.^[i][5]

From the early to mid-18th century, the lion mask enjoyed popularity as a favoured motif for furniture ornament, used as an arm rest support or to decorate a cabriole leg. Occasionally, a lion'spaw orpelt appears alongside themask.^[6][7]

• Lions in art

Wikimedia Commons has media related toLion heads in art.

• Frank C. Brown,Study of the Orders, American School of Correspondence, London (1906).
• Chandler R. Clifford,Period Furnishings: an Encyclopedia of Historic Furniture, Decorations and Furnishings, Clifford & Lawton, New York (1911).
• George B. Frazee, Jr., "Here's Information about Chairs that will Aid You in Selling", inThe Grand Rapids Furniture Record, Periodical Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, vol. XLVII, No. 1 (July 1923).
• Oscar White Muscarella,Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (1988),ISBN 978-0-87099-525-5.
• Jutta-Annette Page,Beyond Venice: Glass in Venetian Style, 1500–1750, Corning Museum of Glass, Hudson Hills Press, New York (2004).
• Daniel Savoy,The Globalization of Renaissance Art: A Critical Review, Brill (2017),ISBN 978-90-04-35579-8.
• Clare Vernon,From Byzantine to Norman Italy, Bloomsbury, London (2023).

• Masks in Europe
• Lions in art
• Iconography

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