The lions of Horbeit may be reckoned among the _chefs-d'oeuvre_ of Egyptian statuary.
Upon one of the largest among them is inscribed the name of Apries (fig.
282); but if even this evidence were lacking, the style of the piece would compel us to attribute it to the Saite period.

It formed part of the ornamentation of a temple or naos door; and the other side was either built into a wall or imbedded in a piece of wood.

The lion is caught in a trap, or, perhaps, lying down in an oblong cage, with only his head and fore feet outside.

The lines of the body are simple and full of power; the expression of the face is calm and strong.

In breadth and majesty he almost equals the fine limestone lions of Amenhotep III.
[Illustration: Fig.