Guardian sphinx from a gable, from building H in Xanthos, Lycia (modern-day Turkey), c. 460 BCE.
The sphinx, a creature combining elements of a woman, a lion, and a bird, had significant associations with death in both Greece and Lycia, often adorning the monuments constructed for the deceased. Each sphinx was overseen by a protective, crouched lion. The design of the sphinxes on this gable end deviates slightly from the norm. The presence of red pigment can be detected on their feathers.
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Cite This Work
APA Style
Crabben, J. v. d. (2023, August 16). Lycian Guardian Sphinx. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17739/lycian-guardian-sphinx/
Chicago Style
Crabben, Jan van der. "Lycian Guardian Sphinx." World History Encyclopedia, August 16, 2023. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17739/lycian-guardian-sphinx/.
MLA Style
Crabben, Jan van der. "Lycian Guardian Sphinx." World History Encyclopedia, 16 Aug 2023, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17739/lycian-guardian-sphinx/.
