Bronze sphinx
This bronze sphinx originally decorated a bronze vessel or utensil. The sphinx, a mythological creature with a human head and the body of a lion, was represented in Greek art with the head of a woman and wings. Images of this fantastic creature were often placed on grave monuments as a guardian of the dead. Although serving a decorative function, this sphinx likely retained some of its protective significance.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bronze sphinx
- Period: Archaic
- Date: late 6th century–early 5th century BCE
- Culture: Greek
- Medium: Bronze
- Dimensions: H. 5.3 cm x W. 2.7 cm
- Classification: Bronzes
- Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
- Object Number: 2021.40.14
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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