Limestone funerary stele (shaft) surmounted by two sphinxes

Unknown

last quarter of the 5th century BCE · Limestone · Greek and Roman Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

last quarter of the 5th century BCE

Medium

Limestone

Culture

Cypriot

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76