Sphinx

18th century, with expert later repairs
Not on view
Sphinxes all’antica, like Medusa heads, were enigmas often invoked in Neoclassical decorative arts. Someone took pains to preserve this piece after it broke, expertly repairing it with closely matched stone, then gluing it to a glass backing that has since been removed from the quartz ground layer.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Sphinx
  • Date: 18th century, with expert later repairs
  • Culture: Italian
  • Medium: Jasper with quartz
  • Dimensions: Overall: 2 3/16 x 2 9/16 in. (5.6 x 6.5 cm); 55.6 x 65.3 x 8.5 mm
  • Classification: Lapidary Work-Gems
  • Credit Line: The Milton Weil Collection, 1939
  • Object Number: 39.22.35
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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