Magnificent antique pair of opposing large male lions with paws raised on top of spheres, of cast stone with quartz aggregate and white lime wash, with extraordinary detail. Circa 1900-1920, found in Baltimore estate. Excellent condition. 42 inches high and 46 inches wide. These are after the 'Medici Lions' (1589) still standing at the Loggia Dei Lanzi Piazza Della Signoria in Florence, Italy. This important pair of lions would be outstanding flanking a major entrance or building. The 'Medici Lions' were commissioned by Ferdinando 1 de Medici,Grand Duke of Tuscany, and originally set in the Loggia dei Lioni at Villa Medici, Rome to ornate the villa's garden staircase. The basis for the design was an antique Roman marble relief. This was worked up as a full figure looking to its right by Giovanni di Scherano Fancelli in c.1598, and accompanied by a mirror-image version by contemporary sculptor Flaminio Vacca (1538-1605). The original pair remained in Rome until 1789, before being moved to Florence. Today they can be seen at the Loggia dei lanzi in Florence, Italy.