The Dying Lion: A Tribute in Stone

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Introduction

The Dying Lion: A Tribute in Stone invites visitors to contemplate resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring power of nature. Carved from a single slab of Carrara marble, the sculpture captures the lion in the twilight of its existence, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the strength that can still shine in final moments.

Historical Background

The commission for the Dying Lion came in 2018, when the city of Siena sought a new centerpiece for its public park, Piazza dell’Augusto. Historically, lions have symbolized bravery and authority in Italian sculpture. But unlike the triumphant lions of the past, this piece turns toward a contemplative, almost humanized narrative.

The Stone Tribute

Date Location Material Dimensions Symbolism
2019 Piazza dell’Augusto, Siena Carrara marble 3.2 m (height), 1.8 m × 1.4 m (length × width) Life’s quiet dignity
2020 Exposition of “Nature’s Laments” – – –
2022 Restoration by the Sienese Conservatory – – –

The sculpture sits in a shallow pit of stone, surrounded by a circle of bronze inscriptions, letting the viewer feel intimately close to the animal’s last breath.

Significance

The Dying Lion speaks to the human experience through the lens of an animal. It challenges the traditional heroic motif, inviting us to respect the quiet moments of surrender and to honor the continuity that follows.

  • Redefining Courage: Courage is not only victory; it is enduring, even in decline.

  • Eco‑Conscious Symbolism: Reflects conservation efforts for natural habitats worldwide.

  • Community Memory: Became a place for local mourning rituals and memorials.

Artist’s Vision

Giuseppe Carbone, a Siena‑born sculptor, described the piece as “a conversation between the living and the forgotten.” He spent three years refining the marble, focusing on subtle facial expressions and subtle weight shifts that reveal the lion’s soul.

“I’d like people to look into that gaze and feel a shared humanity, even though we’re in a public square surrounded by people rushing by.”

Visitor Experience

Visitors are guided through an interpretive path that includes:

  • A soundscape echoing distant roars and wind over the Italian countryside.

  • Touch‑sensitive panels that allow gentle tactile interaction—reflecting the idea that we too feel the weight of decay.

  • A QR code linking to a short documentary about the sculpture’s creation and historical context.

Preservation Efforts

The marble has undergone a two‑stage conservation process to protect against pollution, UV rays, and weather. A yearly maintenance schedule includes:

  • Surface cleaning with pH‑neutral solutions.

  • Regular structural inspections by the Associazione Scolastica di Conservazione.

  • Public education campaigns about marble care.

FAQ

1. Is the Dying Lion open to the public year‑round?
Yes, the sculpture is accessible from dawn until dusk; special nocturnal tours are offered monthly.

2. Can visitors touch the statue?
Only the designated touch‑sensitive panels are available for tactile experience; the marble body remains untouched.

3. Who can view the interpretive path recordings?
Audio guides are offered on rental; free recordings are available via the city’s tourism app.

4. Are there guided tours?
Yes, guided tours run on Saturdays and major public holidays; you can book via the park’s official website.

5. What measures are in place to protect the sculpture from vandalism?
The plaza is monitored by CCTV, and local volunteers patrol as scheduled; any damage triggers an immediate restoration protocol.

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