Lot 31
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 2nd century CE. Absolutely stunning bronze Sphinx in the Theban style. Seated regally with the body of a feline, bust of a female and wings of a bird. Wonderful details of hair, pulled back in rows tied in the back. Body stout at the shoulders and thinning to the belly and haunches. Size: 2" L x 3.25" H (5.1 cm x 8.3 cm); 4.125" H (10.5 cm) on included custom stand.
According to Brittanica, the Sphinx, mythological creature with a lion's body and a human head, an important image in Egyptian and Greek art and legend. The earliest and most famous example in art is the colossal recumbent Great Sphinx at Giza, Egypt, dating from the reign of King Khafre.
Item tested using XRF technology. Results show body and head are ancient bronze. Wings are comombination of iron and titanium indicating these were replaced most likely in the 19th century.
Provenance: private Brooklyn, New York, USA collection; ex-J.M.E. collection, New York, USA, acquired from Bonham's London, October 2004; ex-Australian collection, acquired from the Museum of Classical Antiquates, Maine, USA, in the late 1970s
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#190165
- Condition: Appears quite choice but wings have been restored, probably in the 19th century based upon XRF analysis, small casting flaw above left breast.
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