The Lion Relief
The limestone architrave relief giving its name to the Lion Gate is much earlier than the late antique gateway in which it is now displayed. Stylistically the relief can be dated to the 6th century BC and given this date it most probably originated from a building on the acropolis. 
The relief depicts, in profile, a lion or major feline devouring the head of a bull. Of the bull the head and neck is shown below the jaws of the lion, but only its horns are articulated and provide the identity of the animal. Of the lion itself nothing survives of its front legs and paws, just as all detailing of the head has been worn away apart from a faint outline of one rounded ear. The lion is standing crouched over its prey, its jaws sunk into the neck of the bull and its tail lashing between its legs.
Though now worn and damaged, it is possible that the relief was, in fact, never fully finished even in it original state. This is suggested, in particular, by the different handling of the lion’s tail. Where the lower part and tip of the tail is individualised and carved with good detail, in the upper part this is not the case. Here there is no visual separation between the tail and the rear of the lion.
The subject matter of an animal attacking another is common in Greek archaic art of the 6th century BC, just as single large felines can be found decorating tombs and temples. The intent was undoubtedly to create an image with ‘heroic’ connotations, and one that would function as an apotropaic image – that is an image to ward off evil. The Archaeological Museum at Corfu provides several examples of the use of feline imagery in this period – not the least the lion carved for the Tomb of Menecrates and the panthers adorning the famous pediment of the Temple of Artemis.
Butrint relief is undoubtedly linked to these in intent, though unusually the relief depicts a scene of devouring of prey rather than the catch of a prey. Similarly, very few instances exist of a partial animal being depicted. The relief remains enigmatic.
- The Lion Gate
- Detail of the lion relief
- Drawing of the Lion Gate, c. 1930