Subjects for sculpture: guardian beasts

Animals are often portrayed as guardians in sculpture. These are commonly found on buildings, especially at entrances, and on funerary monuments and tombs, where they sometimes act also as guides to the next world. The V&A has many examples of animal sculpture in both roles in its collections.

Lions and lion hybrids

Because of its physical strength and ferocity, the animal most commonly used as a guardian beast is the lion. In Christian symbolism the lion represents vigilance and watchfulness because it was thought to sleep with its eyes open. Lion hybrids include the griffin (also known as a gryphon), a mythical beast combining the beak, wings and talons of an eagle and the body of a lion and the winged lion which is the symbol of St Mark the Evangelist.

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Plaster cast of the Marzocco lion, Lelli, Giuseppe; after Donatello, 1896; 1418-1420. Museum no. 1895-20. This cast was taken from the original sandstone statue of a lion by Donatello housed in the Museo Nazionale (Bargello), Florence.

Carved, painted and gilded oak griffin, with tinned copper banner, 1507–25, Museum no. W.7-2000. This figure of a griffin (also known as a gryphon) forms part of a group, along with a bull, ram and dolphin, that is known as the Dacre Beasts.

Dogs

Unlike lions, dogs are commonly valued as guardians and protectors in life, as well as portrayed as such in sculpture. They are also associated with death in many cultures. One of the best known examples is the monstrous Cerberus, Roman guardian of the Underworld. Dogs often take the role of guide and interpreter for the soul of the deceased but also represent fidelity and watchfulness, qualities that make them particularly suitable as guardian beasts.

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Porcelain sculpture of Hogarth’s dog, Trump, Louis-François Roubiliac, 1747–50. Museum no. C.101-1966

Painted wood sculpture of St Roch, about 1540–50, Museum no. A.66-1951

Plaster cast of the effigy of Elizabeth Fitzherbert, late 15th century. Museum no. REPRO.A.1916-215