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Falcon-Headed Sphinx

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: 19th Dynasty to Roman Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor
MEDIUM Glass
  • Reportedly From: Saqqara, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 525–30 B.C.E.
    PERIOD Persian Period to Ptolemaic Period
    DIMENSIONS 1 1/8 x 3/16 x 2 1/4 in. (2.9 x 0.5 x 5.7 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.1235E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Slightly translucent green-blue glass inlay representing, in relief (rear surface flat), a falcon-headed recumbent sphinx with human arms extended forwards in a gesture of adoration (uppermost hand palm down, lower hand palm up). The creature faces right; there is no base. The modelling is quite detailed. Condition: Small nicks; dark incrustation on rear, and in hollows.
    CAPTION Falcon-Headed Sphinx, ca. 525–30 B.C.E. Glass, 1 1/8 x 3/16 x 2 1/4 in. (2.9 x 0.5 x 5.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1235E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.37.1235E_wwg8.jpg)
    IMAGE installation, West Wing gallery 8 installation, CUR.37.1235E_wwg8.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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