Artwork

Sculpture - Of a Lion upon a Horse, now in the Palazzo de' Conservatori on the Capitol

Sculpture - Of a Lion upon a Horse, now in the Palazzo de' Conservatori on the Capitol is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist John Henry Parker. It dates from 1867 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The image records a Roman stone relief housed in the Palazzo de' Conservatori on Rome’s Capitoline Hill.

About this work

Overview

The image records a Roman stone relief housed in the Palazzo de' Conservatori on Rome’s Capitoline Hill. Carved in high relief, the composition captures a lion clinging to a rearing horse, the two figures intertwined in a dynamic, tension‑filled pose. The photograph presents the work in stark monochrome, emphasizing the sculptural depth and the intricate rendering of fur and musculature.

Subject & Meaning

The relief depicts a dramatic encounter between predator and prey, a motif recurrent in Roman decorative art that may allude to themes of power, triumph, or mythic combat. The lion’s aggressive grip on the horse’s back, combined with the animal’s upward thrust, creates a sense of movement that invites viewers to contemplate the struggle between opposing forces.

Technique & Style

Executed in carved stone, the relief employs deep undercutting to achieve strong chiaroscuro effects, enhancing the three‑dimensional illusion.

Executed in carved stone, the relief employs deep undercutting to achieve strong chiaroscuro effects, enhancing the three‑dimensional illusion. The composition is designed for a single‑view perspective, with the lion’s head turned slightly away, guiding the eye along the twisted bodies. Fine detailing of hair and sinews demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship typical of Roman monumental reliefs.

History & Provenance

The photograph forms part of a comprehensive visual archive of Rome’s monuments compiled between 1864 and 1879 under the direction of John Henry Parker. Photographers such as Adriano De Bonis and Filippo Spina contributed to the series, which was later published in Parker’s multi‑volume *Archaeology of Rome*. Early prints of the image are held by the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Context

The relief belongs to a broader tradition of Roman animal combat scenes that adorned public buildings, triumphal arches, and funerary monuments. Its placement within the Palazzo de' Conservatori, a museum dedicated to the city’s antiquities, situates the work among a collection that traces the evolution of Roman artistic expression from the classical period through the seventeenth century.

Artist & collection

Artist

John Henry Parker

John Henry Parker liked to explore old churches in Rome. He'd photograph the sculptures and carvings he found. One thing that stands out is his attention to detail - he'd capture tiny parts of bigger pieces, like the…