The origin of the two lions, which recently arrived at the Ugo Da Como Foundation following the Lombardi Donation, dates back to the second half of the 19th century when, after the railway station in Brescia had been built, the architect Antonio Tagliaferri was entrusted with the project for the new station barrier at Porta San Nazaro, which was renamed Porta Stazione.

Conceived therefore for the urban context, the lions were to take on a monumental appearance. Later left unfinished due to a rethink by the sculptor, they remained in Davide Lombardi’s workshop and were replaced by the two currently in the Castello.

The two sculptures are placed in dialogue with the monument to Moretto in front of the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo, also by Ghidoni. The exhibition project offers an opportunity to explore the figure of this sculptor and his collaboration with Antonio Tagliaferri.