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Object with Sphinx Head (Furniture Mount?)

Probably Italian 16th/19th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a sphinx, a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of a woman. Crafted from bronze, it has intricate details such as curls in its hair, a muscled torso, and feathered wings on its back. The creature has forelimbs and paws resembling a lion. It stands on a black, multi-tiered, octagonal base. The sculpture is slightly above eye level.

Artwork Details

Date
16th/19th century
Medium
bronze with copper inlay, lined in lead//Black lacquer (much rubbed) over yellowish bronze
Dimensions
5852 × 8193 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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