Illustrated Architecture Dictionary .......................... Illustrated FURNITURE Glossary
Illustrated
Architecture Dictionary ..........................
Illustrated FURNITURE
Glossary
Sphinx
A mythical monster that combines a human head and woman's bust with the body of a lion
Originally an Egyptian motif. In the Roman era, wings were added.
Ancient Egyptians believed fervently in immortality, and the sphinx was one of their favortire funerary symbols, often guarding the tombs of notable Egyptians who had enteed the hereafter.
During the Renaissance, Adam, and Regency periods, the sphinx was used as carved or painted decoration.
It was particularly popular as furniture support during the Empire and Regency periods when things Egyptian were mixed with classic Greek and Roman motifs.
See also: Egyptian Revival
Examples from Buffalo:
- Illustration above: Gilbert Monument, Forest Lawn Cemetery
- Photo, statue - Unity Temple, 1940 Niagara Street, Buffalo
Other examples:
- Statue - Museum at Delphi, Greece
- Statue - Museum on Acropolis, Athens, Greece
- Statue - British Museum, London, England
- Canal House Gable, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Statue - Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Furniture: Chairs from Madame Récamier's Salon, by Jacob Freres - Louvre, Paris, France
- Furniture: Empire style table, Louvre, Paris
