Limestone finial of a votive stele (?) with a lion and a male sphinx
Cippi topped by lions or sphinxes come mainly from Golgoi or Idalion. Both the lion and the sphinx were introduced to Cyprus from Egypt as guardians of tombs. The sphinx's beard is typical of Cypriot iconography, while its headdress is Egyptian.
Artwork Details
- Title: Limestone finial of a votive stele (?) with a lion and a male sphinx
- Period: Cypro-Archaic II
- Date: ca. 575–525 BCE
- Culture: Cypriot
- Medium: Limestone
- Dimensions: WebPub GR 2012 Cesnola: 15 1/2 × 9 3/4 × 10 1/4 in., 31 lb. (39.4 × 24.8 × 26 cm, 14.1 kg)
- Classification: Stone Sculpture
- Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
- Object Number: 74.51.2551
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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