Heraldic Lion
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Gold, enamel and pearls.
Dimensions
L. 9 cm, W. 7.4 cm.
Classification
Jewelry, Precious Metals and Precious Stones
Culture
Spanish
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.1518
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Heraldic Lion*, exquisite 19th-century Spanish jewel from the Robert Lehman Collection The Metropolitan Museum of Art.ed by an unknown artist, this small yet striking piece measures just 9 cm long and 7.4 cm wide, fashioned from shimmering gold, vibrant enamel, and lustrous pearls. Likely a brooch or decorative ornament, its compact form belies the opulence of its materials, which were hallmarks of elite Spanish jewelry during an era of Romantic nationalism and royal patronage. The lion motif, a timeless emblem of strength, courage, and nobility, holds deep heraldic significance i...