Two Winged Lions

About this artwork.

Two imposing statues of winged lions mark the entrance to the Ebbingehof residential community, a complex of 40 rental apartments designed by the architect Moriko Kira. From under an awning, the antique stone statues have a view of a square with a terrace. We can attribute various symbolic meanings to the winged lion, a hybrid mythical animal. In the Middle Ages they could be seen as guards at palace and castle gates. At that time, it was believed that lions slept with their eyes open, so they symbolized courage and vigilance. A winged lion was also ascribed strength, spirituality and contemplation. The two specimens at the entrance of the Ebbingehof also radiate this: they are not dangerous growling beasts, but rather 'soft' lions, which seem to smile kindly. Originally, the Winged Lions were part of the Stokerij building of the municipal gas works, where they were placed on both end facades as two supporting figures under the gutter. The maker of the winged lions is still unknown. Do you know more about the lions? Mail to info@kunstpuntgroningen.nl

About the assignment.

The distillery building stood from 1909 to 1969 on the spot where the Ebbingehof now stands. The building closed in 1961 and was demolished in 1969. However, the two lions from around 1909 were spared. They were then placed in various places on the CiBoGa site, and eventually went to the municipal storage. With the construction of the Ebbingehof in 2021, a great opportunity arose to give the statues a place in public space again. The parties involved found architect Moriko Kira willing to include the antique ornaments in her design of the Ebbingehof. She thought it was 'sweet lions who deserve a worthy place'. Before that, the two lions were first thoroughly restored. The relocation was made possible in part by Moriko Kira Architect, Daad architecten/Trebbe Bouw, the Ebbingehof residents' committee and the Municipality of Groningen.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  maker onbekend

• District
  Centrum

• Year of creation
  1910

• Art type
  Art in / on a building, Wall sculpture

• Material
  Bluestone

• Dimensions
  h 200 x b 110 x d 45 cm