According to records, these two small fountains with the serious-looking lions were last restored in 1955. The fountains had been removed around 1880 and were now refurbished on the basis of the earlier versions, with the two lions being incorporated into the scheme.

During the 17th century, on special occasions like solemn processions took place when a newly elected pope went to take possession of the Lateran Basilica, the fountains were used to spout wine instead of water. Even when new senators were elected, instead of steams of water, the lion fountains poured wine, one with white wine and the other would pour red wine.

The half lion, half sphinx pink-veined dark gray granite of these two Egyptian water fountain sculptures makes a pleasing contrast to so much travertine and serves almost as a precursor of the bronze statue Marcus Aurelius. The two lions were transported to the Capitoline and set up as ornaments at the beginning of the steps that form a ramp leading up to the square. The idea of animating these two motionless lions by turning them into fountains occurred as soon as water had been brought to the Capitoline. This was at the same time as the construction of the large fountain below the Senate Steps in 1588. When the necessary holes had been made and the spouts put into their mouths, the lions adapted to their new tasks. The lions were actually made two thousand years earlier in an arid, desert land.