Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx
Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx
Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx
Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx
Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx
Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx
Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx
Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx
Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx

Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx

SKU: MS.0005

Origin: Egypt
Circa: Ptolemaic Period, 332 BC to 30 BC
Dimensions: 7" Height x 4.25" Width x 13.5" Length (17.7cm x 10.8 cm x 34.3 cm)
Medium: Marble

A mythological composite creature that first appeared during the 4th Dynasty, the sphinx is one of the most iconic compositions in ancient Egyptian art. Featuring the body of a lion and the head of a king, sphinxes symbolized dignified royal strength. This classic depiction is found recumbent on an integral plinth with forepaws outstretched and it's long tail curled up over the right haunch. Wearing the striated nemes headdress, a full corpulent face and round lidded eyes are carved deftly into a sumptuous grey marble which conveys a sense of both power and majesty.

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Private collection, UK, acquired 19th Century; and thence by descent to the present owner.

Break at forepaws including plinth, surface abrasions throughout, with moderate to heavy wear to parts of the face and head as shown.

In Ancient Egypt, sphinxes were considered spiritual guardians as the protectors of passageways. Exhibiting a threatening majesty, they were often placed at the entrances of tombs and temples. As the current example demonstrates, the sphinx often wore a pharaonic headdress, the nemes, to symbolize both earthly power and a direct connection with the gods.


see a Ptolemaic Sphinx, Alexandria National Museum, Alexandria, Egypt

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Ptolemaic

Egyptian Grey Marble Sphinx

Ptolemaic

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