Muzzle of a Lion (one of pair) c. 1940

This formidable lion's muzzle was crafted by Maurice Van Felix, though we don’t know exactly when. Presumably, it’s carved from stone – perhaps limestone or sandstone, judging by the texture. The way the lion is depicted is quite interesting. It's a fragment, really – just the face and mane, cropped close. This might suggest that it was originally part of a larger architectural feature, perhaps adorning a grand building. It may also be a fragment salvaged from a ruined structure. Consider how the stone itself dictates the form. The sculptor would have had to work with the material's inherent weight and density, using tools to chip away at the block, gradually revealing the lion's features. There’s real skill evident in the carving of the mane, each strand carefully articulated. Thinking about process, it is important to remember that this kind of work takes time, and a highly skilled sculptor to execute it. Whether originally integrated into a building or conceived as a fragment, this sculpture prompts us to consider not only the final form but also the labor and traditions that brought it into being.