Rock crystal Statuette of a Lion

A small carved statuette in clear rock crystal shows a lion crouched low on a flat, stepped base, its head lifted and forepaws braced forward. The mane is rendered in finely incised strands, and the transparent stone lets light pass through the body and base. The view is set against a soft grey backdrop that isolates the sculpture.

Look closer: Faint internal lines and light refractions inside the crystal body, visible near the base.

Artist

Unknown

Date

3rd–4th century

Medium

Rock crystal

Source

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Size

4000 × 2995 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bequest of Ada Small Moore, 1955