Limestone funerary stele (shaft) surmounted by two sphinxes

last quarter of the 5th century BCE
Not on view
Elegant sphinxes are positioned back-to-back with their heads turned so that they could be seen in three-quarters perspective. The calm beauty of the creature's head, the form of the palmettes, and the egg and dart molding that decorates the base of the platform are typical of Greek art of the fifth century B.C.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Limestone funerary stele (shaft) surmounted by two sphinxes
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: last quarter of the 5th century BCE
  • Culture: Cypriot
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: WebPub GR 2012 Cesnola: 34 3/4 × 26 15/16 in., 191 lb. (88.2 × 68.5 cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2499
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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