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A classic desk sculpture depicting the “Watching Lion” (Italian: Leone vegliante). It is a high-quality reproduction of Antonio Canova’s famous 1792 sculpture, originally from the tomb of Pope Clement XIII in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. A full bronze cast, hand-chiseled. The sculpture is mounted on a massive black marble base (likely Nero Marquina or Belgian black marble). It features an original, aged patina with a deep, dark brown hue and natural wear that highlights the object’s age and the sculptural definition of the animal’s musculature. The patina is preserved in excellent condition (no modern alterations). Exceptionally precise rendering of the anatomy—a clearly defined mane, details of the hooves, and the expression on the muzzle. The absence of a signature is typical of luxury 19th-century Grand Tour souvenirs crafted by professional Roman workshops.