Limestone funerary stele with antithetical sphinxes

Unknown

ca. 475–450 BCE · Limestone · Greek and Roman Art

The sphinxes of this gravestone, while modeled on Classical Greek prototypes, also reveal an Egyptian influence with their pose of hind legs tucked under their bodies. During the Archaic and the Classical periods, pairs of opposing sphinxes were common on funerary monuments but also may appear as guardians of heroons or shrines.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 475–450 BCE

Medium

Limestone

Culture

Cypriot

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76