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A Large Pair of Vintage Egyptian Revival Patinated Brass Sphinxes

About the Item

A Large Pair of Egyptian Revival Vintage Patinated Brass Sphinxes. The impressive pair of brown patinated resting sphinxes, with an unverified but intriguing provenance purportedly tracing back to the Paramount Studios prop house. Each sphinx reclines with a commanding forward gaze, embodying the mythical fusion of human and lion evoking the enduring allure of ancient Egyptian iconography, reminiscent of the Great Sphinx of Giza, Egypt. Circa: Mid to late 20th Century. A sphinx (/sfɪŋks/ SFINKS; Ancient Greek: σφίγξ, pronounced [spʰíŋks]; Boeotian: φίξ, romanized: phíx, pronounced [pʰíːks]; pl. sphinxes or sphinges) is a mythical creature with the head of a human, the body of a lion, and the wings of an eagle. In Egyptian mythology the sphinx is seen as a benevolent representation of strength and ferocity, usually of a pharaoh. Unlike Greek or Levantine/Mesopotamian ones, Egyptian sphinxes were not winged. Both the Greek and Egyptian sphinxes were thought of as guardians, and statues of them often flank the entrances to temples. During the Renaissance, the sphinx enjoyed a major revival in European decorative art. During this period, images of the sphinx were initially similar to the ancient Egyptian version, but when later exported to other cultures, the sphinx was often conceived of quite differently, partly due to varied translations of descriptions of the originals, and partly through the evolution of the concept as it was integrated into other cultural traditions. Height: 25 1/4 inches (64.2 cm) Width: 47 inches (119.4 inches) Depth: 24 inches (61 inches)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 25.25 in (64.14 cm)Width: 47 in (119.38 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Egyptian Revival (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Patinated
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa: Mid-Late 20th Century
  • Condition:
    Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Patina has recently been restored.
  • Seller Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: Ref.: A2773 - Lot 64391stDibs: LU1796239536182
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