A fine Italian marble figure group of Cybele riding a lion signed F. Vichi, Firenze, modelled as a nude classical female figure with drapery to one hand and a garland of grape leaves to her hair, riding a collared lion, raised on a stepped rectangular marble plinth. Height 98 cm x. Width 83 cm x. Depth 34 cm. Note: Cybele was originally a Phrygian goddess whose popularity spread to Rome. She was the daughter of Meion, King of Phrygia and Dindyme. Abandoned on a mountain named after her she was suckled by lions and leopards. Cybele possessed the power of healing and was the protectress of children and wild creatures